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Date: 11 May, 2003

by Andy Chapman

Genetically modified (GM) crops are in the news again. The latest controversy is that farmers in India have been cross-breeding insect-resistant GM cotton with local varieties. Not only does this expose the environment to unknown and potential dangers, it's also illegal: US genetics giant Monsanto owns the patent.

Meanwhile, research in France suggests that the easiest way for GM crops to spread beyond contained farming may not actually be pollen, but via seeds carried by farm machinery.

On a more positive note, genetically modified grass may offer relief to the rapidly increasing numbers of hay fever sufferers - and researchers are also working on decaffeinated coffee plants...

So what are the rights and wrongs, the dangers and the benefits of genetic modification? The BBC has dedicated a section of its site, here, to the issues - the pages also offer resources for children.

You can click here to find out exactly where you stand on the issues.

Public debate about genetic modification is being actively encouraged in the UK - click here to take part.

Is GM food safe? The GM Nation site presents both sides of the argument here.

The ages-old nature-nurture debate often lurks behind opinions on genetic modification. Does the environment or the genetic inheritance influence organisms - including ourselves - most? Time magazine explores the debate here.

Christian views on the GM debate can be explored here.

Christian Aid advised caution in a 1999 paper, and warns of the dangers of biotechnology companies exploiting developing countries. Read the 1999 policy briefing here and a general statement on GM crops here.

Read about ActionAid's food rights campaigns and further discussion of GM issues here.

What's the issue with GM cotton? The strain has been developed by modifying cotton with genes taken from bacteria which are poisonous to pests which prey upon the plant. Read about the science and the politics here.

And who are Monsanto? The company's own site is here. Its recent financial fortunes have been mixed - read about them at the Guardian here.

The French study on the spread of GM crops was published by the Royal Society. Read their press release here.

As for beating hayfever - which now affects 1 in 4 people, compared with 1 in 10 in 1965 - read a New Scientist report here.

It's hard to define where 'genetic modification' begins and ends - and it all began with a monk. Read here for the history of how Gregor Mendel's study of sweet peas became the controversial science of today.

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