Transgenic plants and bees: the beginning of the end or a new opportunity?

The food industry has high hopes for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and claims that they are a solution to global food problems. But are the be nefits proven and what are the longterm risks? Are we just creating a new e nvironmental problem for ourselves: genetic pollution? Dr Guy Poppy leads a team of entomologists researching on insect-resistant transgenic crop plan ts at IACR Rothamsted. In this editorial, he is hoping to present a balance d and factual view of the risks and advantages of this controversial subjec t.