Supporters: GMOs Can Help Hungry and Malnourished Nations

Supporters of genetically-enhanced foods say the most significant benefit of GMOs is hope.  Hope in the form of solutions for malnutrition and starvation in the developing world.  Margaret Zeigler of the Global Harvest Initiative says there are many examples.

"There are many companies looking on how to improve Vitamin A content of crops,rice, sorghums, millets, etc. and it's possible to do it. It would bring great benefit, actually, to the poorest people who actually grow and consumer those products."

Yet, there are challenges to introducing those products to several developing countries due to regulations and food safety concerns.  Tom Slate of the U.S. Grains Council says continued education for both regulators and consumers is helping in GMO food and crop entry into places like Sub-Saharan Africa.

"That sort of regulatory cooperation, if one country approves it, other countries will say do you approve it.  OK, good enough for me. We're starting to see some progress there that's encouraging. I really think what sells first is safe and quality food."