Has the world’s food supplies kept up with population growth?
• Yes, because of improvements in farm production from technological advances, GMOs and the Green Revolution
What are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms
The development and distribution of GMOs are referred to as the
GREEN REVOLUTION
GREEN REVOLUTION From 1950’s – 1970’s Research,
development and distribution of hybrid “miracle” varieties of
high yield cereal grains like wheat & rice
Green Revolution Pros• Grow faster • Multiple yields (3 or 4
times greater)• Increase quality of food• Increase tolerances to
disease, pests and weeds• Reduction of biodiversity
Cons • Expensive seeds• Some require more
fertilizer, water and pesticides
• Increase of class disparities• Health impacts from
increased pesticides & fertilizers
HomeworkIs genetic engineering safe? Why or why not?
How many hungry people are in the US ?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported
that in 2008• 49.1 million people living in
food insecure households • 16.7 million are children
What is food insecurity? • USDA term that means one or more people
in the household were hungry over the course of the year because of the inability to afford enough food
• Some people may skip meals or cut back on the quality or quantity of food they purchase at the stores
• http://www.frac.org/html/hunger_in_the_us/hunger_index.html
Food Insecurities in IL
• http://frac.org/State_Of_States/2008/states/IL.pdf
Interactive map food stamps in IL
• http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/11/28/us/20091128-foodstamps.html
ANY QUESTIONS?
