Bill Gates – What I’m Learning – The New Science of Feeding the World – The Gates Notes
Tomorrow’s Table is a real education on the many choices farmers today must make regarding seeds. It’s very good in explaining genetically engineered seed, how it’s used today (mostly to help plants fight off insects and tolerate herbicide) and how it will be used in the future (to increase disease resistance, drought tolerance, vitamin content and crop yields, for example).
The book separates out clearly the issues of how to make sure new seeds are safe, how to price them and how to treat them as intellectual property.
The book separates out clearly the issues of how to make sure new seeds are safe, how to price them and how to treat them as intellectual property.
I gained an understanding of the history of organic farming and learned about some of the very clever ways organic farmers control pests. Compared with conventional agriculture, many organic techniques can be more cost effective for poor farmers. I agree with the authors that we will need the best ideas from “organic” thinkers and from scientists – including genetic engineers – to feed the world and help the poorest.
