Genetically modified crops 2002

Mpumalanga farmer Michael Allen shows off his genetically unmodified maize crop. Over half the maize produced in South Africa IS genetically modified (GM). GM crops are engineered to withstand environmental factors such as drought, with a dominant trait having been seeds with herbicide tolerance, allowing farmers to make use of herbicides without harming their crops.

A traditional healer protests against the growing of genetically engineered foods. Many people around the world have questioned the ethics, safety and environmental impact of genetically modifying food.

A farm worker holds genetically modified cottonseeds. Genetically engineering these seeds means that farmers will have to spray their crop only once or twice instead of six times a season. This results in savings on chemicals and labour as well as higher yields.

Ethiopian doctor Tewolde Egziabher, who has made it his life’s work to safeguard biodiversity and the traditional rights of African farmers and communities to their genetic resources. Dr. Egziabher is also the director-general of the Ethiopian-headquartered Environmental Protection Agency.

Peter Komani poses with a plant of organic plums. Organic foods are grown in a natural, environmentally friendly way and do not have added chemicals or preservatives.

Dr. Chris Viljoen, who heads the genetically modified organisms (GMO) Testing Facility at the University of the Free State. This Testing Facility has been monitoring food products since 2003.Today, more than half of all maize grown in South Africa is genetically modified.

Dr. Wessels holds genetically modified maize seeds. More than half the maize produced in South Africa is genetically engineered.

A ‘no trespassing’ sign on land belonging to Monsanto – an agricultural company that grows and tests genetically modified crops.

Traditional healers demand a moratorium on genetically engineered foods. Many people around the world have questioned the ethics, safety and environmental impact of genetically modifying food.

William Thomas, deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Allied Worker’s Union. The Union is opposed to the import of genetically modified foods as they feel it poses a health hazard.

Trial genetically modified potatoes are grown as part of the government run Agricultural Research Centre which is responsible for testing the safety and viability of genetically modified organisms.