Gregory Conko and Fred L. Smith, Jr.
Competitive Enterprise Institute

Agronomists have used increasingly sophisticated genetic manipulation of agricultural plants to ensure that food production has outpaced population growth. Biotechnology, the newest stage in that process, is jeopardized by unfounded concerns that it could harm human health or the environment. To continue feeding a growing population, world farmers and consumers must embrace biotechnology, or sacrifice other environmental priorities.

Key words: Agriculture; biotechnology; developing countries; habitat preservation; Thomas Malthus; population growth; public policy.