Today, there are more than 60 genetically modified (GM) crops that have been approved by the US government for food and feed supplies. These crops include corn, tomato, potato, soybean, rice and wheat.

After years of deliberation, the European Union, amidst protests, gave the green light to farmers to grow GM potatoes. Apparently, these potatoes are not intended for human consumption, but developed to produce higher level of starch for use in industries.

According to a 2008 survey by Eurobarometer, although 52 percent of the population felt that biotechnology, such as GM, would improve their quality of life, almost the same percentage, 58 percent, were apprehensive about using the same on foods.

Earlier, the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) were reported to be intent on developing a rice variety that produces beta-carotene. This is after the favorable adoption of GM corn. The research and development shall expand to other crops as well, such as papaya and aubergines (eggplants).

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled unanimously that field trial of the GM aubergine violates constitutional rights. At the same time, it recognizes “the scientific uncertainties of the health and environmental safety of the GM crop.”

Monsanto Co., a public traded multi-national agricultural biotechnology company, defined genetically modified organisms (GMO) as “plants or animals that have had their genetic makeup altered to exhibit traits that are not naturally theirs.”

The World Health Organization echoes this definition.

The Manila Bulletin online reported that developing countries including the Philippines account for almost half of the word’s production of GM crops. According to the report, the Philippines is now the 10th largest GM producer of a corn variety with a growth of 20 percent in 2011. According to Greenpeace, in Southeast Asia, the Philippines has the most number of GM crops approved by the government for the purpose of human consumption, animal feed, propagation and field trial.

Although the Church in the Philippines may have at times been vocal against the introduction of GM crops in the country, the Vatican has not so far issued an official position regarding the issue.

Earlier this year, Cardinal Peter Turkson, the head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (Justitia et Pax), slammed the aggressive attempts of companies to promote greater use of GM organisms and crops. He wondered if the motive is the “usual game of maintaining economic dependence at all costs.”

Supporters of GM foods claimed that fears might have been unfounded. They argued that to this date, no adverse effects have been found. Officially, arguments for and against the adoption of GM foods or crops have been divided toward extreme ends. Food security is the strongest argument for the adoption. On the other hand, food safety and sustainability is the greatest contention against its adoption. At a certain degree, arguments for both are valid and reasonable.

Perhaps, these arguments should be made known to the public. Eventually, the public is either the beneficiary or the victim.

Real Carpio So is an entrepreneur and management consultant. He coaches selected clients on strategic planning and marketing. He is passionate about food issues. He lectures on Strategic Management, Management Principles and Organizational Behavior at the Ramon del Rosario College of Business at De La Salle University-Manila. He welcomes comments at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The views expressed above are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official position of DLSU, its faculty and its administrators.