Seeds for the Future

Jennifer A. Thomson is Professor of Microbiology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. She is on the boards of a number of biotechnology organizations including the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, based in Nairobi.

"Genetically modified (GM) crops and their impact on native species, the environment, and human health have been topics of international debate for many years. Thomson attempts to put the issue in perspective with a clear and objective scientific explanation of genetic engineering and its role in producing disease-, weed-, insect-, virus-, and drought-resistant soybean, maize, canola, cotton, beets, bananas, cassava, potatoes, and other crops providing higher yields and making healthy food available to millions of people. Thomson is candid about the risks and the legal and trade issues, but she argues that these are minor concerns when compared with the benefits that GM crops have brought to the developing world. Her scholarly, important work, written in simple language, is well documented with references to scientific literature and practical examples. Although intended for an agricultural audience, it should be read by all who want to get beyond the debate to a lucid understanding of GM crops and their place in modern biotechnology."—Library Journal