Poor farmers in China are growing more genetically modified plants than small farmers in any other developing nation.

The survey of China's laboratories identified over 50 plant species and more than 120 functional genes that scientists are using in plant genetic engineering, making China a global leader in the field.

The country is developing the largest capacity to use biotechnology to modify crop plants outside of North America and is targeting crops -- including cotton, rice, wheat, potatoes and peanuts -- that get little attention in other parts of the world. The amount of research and the number of scientists working on gene-modified plants is "impressive."

"Regulators (in China) approved 45 genetically modified plant applications for field trials, 65 for environmental release, and 31 for commercialization."

Genetic modification involves transferring genes of one species to another to acquire certain characteristics, such as hardiness or pest resistance. For example, scientists have spliced spider venom genes into corn and other food crops as a "natural pesticide" to deter insects and birds from feeding on the plants, and inserted fish "antifreeze" genes into tomatoes to extend their growing season into winter.

There has been bitter debate about the safety of genetically altered food, and some scientists warn of a "Trojan gene" effect that could damage or destroy species of plants or animals.

Worldwide sales of genetically modified foods grew an estimated $75 million in 1995, when the first commercial plantings occurred, to approximately $2.3 billion in 1999. More than 40 modified food plants have been marketed in the US for general use, most of them corn and soy products.

With a staff of biotechnology researchers that is approaching 2,000, and a 1999 budget of $112 million, the developing world's other large biotechnology programs, in Brazil and India, fall short of China's.

Presently, China's efforts have largely been focused on Bt cotton -- cotton that has been genetically modified to produce the bacteria-derived toxin Bacillus thuringiensis, which protects growing plants from insect pests.

Although the report notes that farmers using genetically modified crop plants have reduced their use of pesticides, this may be a short-lived effect, she explained. Whether a pesticide is manufactured biologically by the plant or applied by humans, insects will eventually develop resistance to the pesticide.

Science January 25, 2002;295:674-675

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Already, investigators have found that rats fed genetically modified potatoes had an increased thickening in the lining of their stomach and intestine and a weakening of their immune system. What these geniuses have failed to fully appreciate is that once these genetically altered plants are growing it is physically impossible to prevent them from pollinating other plants and contaminating with these new proteins that we have no clue of the long-term consequences of. This has already been documented in Mexico, as I stated in a story this past December. If this insanity continues, our grandchildren may not have access to any non-genetically modified food and the health of our society may continue to rapidly decline. One of the keys to health is good food. Although most of us don't choose to do so, we can still purchase real unaltered food in this country. The future does not appear to provide that option. Genetically modified foods did not exist prior to 1995. Ninety percent of the money Americans spend on food is spent on processed foods and seventy percent of processed foods have genetically modified foods in them. There are NO STUDIES with humans on what happens when one consumes genetically modified foods. The FDA has ASSUMED that they are equivalent to the original and never required any studies to have them approved. This is despite the fact that this technology has never existed in the history of the world before. Absolutely Brilliant! Especially in light of the US Federal track record on genetically engineered safety which is terrible. In 2000, Starlink corn was only approved for animal consumption NOT human consumption. This was because of a concern that could cause allergies in humans. Well Starlink corn would end up directly in the human food supply, despite FDA precautions. There are EIGHT different agencies in the US regulating biotechnology under TWELVE different set of laws. NONE of the laws had biotechnology in mind when they were passed, as they are 40-50 years old. Folks this is one of the biggest disasters I have ever seen that is waiting to happen. Related Articles: Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods Genetically Modified Crops Worry Some Scientists Genetically Altered Plants Might Alter You Americans Don't Know They are Eating Genetically Modified Food Genetically Modified Genes Jump the "Species Barrier" GMO Crops Are An Accident Waiting to Happen Genetically Modified Foods Update