The issue of genetically modified crops is a matter that has been widely discussed in the media in recent years and there is a divergence of expert opinion on offer. The result is scientifically unfounded ideas that in their turn create fear. In reality however, genetic engineering technologies are not as harmful to health as many think. On the contrary, they are an important driver of policies related to technology, living standards and food.
Genetic engineering technology is designed with good intentions, and scientifically unfounded ideas end when knowledge begins.
Some people think that genetically modified crops are unnatural products resulting from a series of scientifically generated mutations. In fact, our ancestors engaged in genetic modification, for example by creating corn through the repeated hybridization of various teosinte species. This kind of modification is largely the same as what we would today classify as genetic modification.
In addition to the genes that are affected by the characteristics of the modified crop, crossbred corn also contains both many interrelated and many non-interrelated genes. Looking at modern genetic modification technology, delicately transplanting one or several genes allows us to control the consequences of breeding or the evaluation of mutations.
From this perspective, what are described as genetically modified crops are the successful products of scientists modifying the genes of a crop using naturally existing genetic resources to make it more resistant to adverse circumstances.
In addition, some people also say that genetically modified crops are more likely to damage the environment than non-genetically modified crops. Institutions in both the UK and the US, as well as the Council of Agriculture, have evaluated changes in the gene flow in genetically modified crops and in the microorganisms in the soil where genetically modified crops have been planted and they have all found that there are no noticeable differences in the environmental impacts of genetically modified crops and of non-genetically modified crops.
Addressing the situation in Taiwan in particular, invasive plants easily become dominant species and supplant native species. This creates great environmental problems and in comparison, the impact of genetically modified crops on the environment is negligible.
The spread of misinformation has made us forget that the genetic modification of crops in fact signifies scientific progress for humanity. It can help solve food shortages and nutritional deficiencies around the world.
Take golden rice, for example — rice that has been genetically engineered to produce and accumulate beta-carotene which is then either stored in the fatty tissues of the body or converted into vitamin A. It may help solve the deficiency of vitamin A in poor children.
In addition, thanks to technological developments, it is now possible to use genetic modification to reduce allergens in crops. This, of course, is the exact opposite of the view that genetically modified crops create allergies.
In this era of the Internet, we have access to a diversity of information, but this information is fragmentary and incomplete — and sometimes plain wrong. The result of this situation is that we often forget that true information is based on scientific facts.
It can only be hoped that all sectors of society will be able to join in a shared effort to obtain and disseminate correct information about genetically modified crops if we want to be able to correctly evaluate this issue.
Chu Wenshen is deputy director of the Biosource Collection and Research Center at the Food Industry Research and Development Institute.
Translated by perry svensson
As the new year dawns, Taiwan faces a range of external uncertainties that could impact the safety and prosperity of its people and reverberate in its politics. Here are a few key questions that could spill over into Taiwan in the year ahead. WILL THE AI BUBBLE POP? The global AI boom supported Taiwan’s significant economic expansion in 2025. Taiwan’s economy grew over 7 percent and set records for exports, imports, and trade surplus. There is a brewing debate among investors about whether the AI boom will carry forward into 2026. Skeptics warn that AI-led global equity markets are overvalued and overleveraged
An elderly mother and her daughter were found dead in Kaohsiung after having not been seen for several days, discovered only when a foul odor began to spread and drew neighbors’ attention. There have been many similar cases, but it is particularly troubling that some of the victims were excluded from the social welfare safety net because they did not meet eligibility criteria. According to media reports, the middle-aged daughter had sought help from the local borough warden. Although the warden did step in, many services were unavailable without out-of-pocket payments due to issues with eligibility, leaving the warden’s hands
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday announced that she would dissolve parliament on Friday. Although the snap election on Feb. 8 might appear to be a domestic affair, it would have real implications for Taiwan and regional security. Whether the Takaichi-led coalition can advance a stronger security policy lies in not just gaining enough seats in parliament to pass legislation, but also in a public mandate to push forward reforms to upgrade the Japanese military. As one of Taiwan’s closest neighbors, a boost in Japan’s defense capabilities would serve as a strong deterrent to China in acting unilaterally in the
Taiwan last week finally reached a trade agreement with the US, reducing tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15 percent, without stacking them on existing levies, from the 20 percent rate announced by US President Donald Trump’s administration in August last year. Taiwan also became the first country to secure most-favored-nation treatment for semiconductor and related suppliers under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act. In return, Taiwanese chipmakers, electronics manufacturing service providers and other technology companies would invest US$250 billion in the US, while the government would provide credit guarantees of up to US$250 billion to support Taiwanese firms
RSS