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?