Ye gods, what a genetic monster

Whatever views Niall Fitzgerald and Paul Seligman express in “GM Monsters” (MW February 7), I wonder whether either have contemplated the possible scenario that food crops might be engineered into sterility.

Imagine the benefit to developing countries of a more reliable crop, but any saved seeds for next year’s planting being sterile – so the farmer can only purchase special fertile seeds anew, from the holder of the patent, at what price?

Sound a bit far-fetched?

There is nothing wrong with developing more resistant strains to withstand the rigours of nature – within certain environmental considerations of course – but there is always the risk that an economic stranglehold can be an interesting by-product of such bio-tech advances.

Does this introduce monsters?

Steven A Whiblett

Inkberrow

Worcestershire

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