The politics of GM food

Abstract:

This work looks at the widespread acceptance of genetically modified food throughout the USA and compares it with the situation in the EU and the UK, where practically no GM crops are grown.

The book is organised over six chapters. Following the introduction, chapter one provides background to the technical and political arguments raging around GM food and the changing attitudes of environmentalists towards biotechnology. The second chapter, 'From science to politics', covers the theoretical basis of the book. Chapter three takes a closer look at the UK and explores the disciplines bearing down from the EU level such as labelling requirements. Comparison with the USA follows in chapter four which explores the different public attitudes to food, and the alternative approach to GM in the US, where it is treated as an extension of plant improvement and development rather than an intrusion. Chapter five addresses the question as to why the EU is so different, and explores the impact of BSE on attitudes and outcomes. Chapter six discusses the theory of public involvement and how public attitudes to risk assessment are dealt with in the USA and the EU. The conclusion draws together the arguments of earlier chapters and the differing political outcomes arising from the case studies.

The book will interest scholars, students and activists in the environmental field.

Dave Toke is a Research Fellow and Lecturer in Politics and Sociology at the University of Birmingham, UK.