GM hot topics
For starters we chose four big questions. Find out what team members Rob and Raph think, and read the evidence for yourself.
Is GM food safe to eat?
Rob says: 'Scientists have proved that the genes in GM food are destroyed during the digestion process. There's no evidence that eating GM food affects us any differently to ordinary food.'
Raph says: 'Actually, there are a few studies that show allergic reactions to GM food. I don't think we can be sure what the impact of GM food could be.'
Read the evidence about GM food safety here and make up your own mind.
Will GM create 'superweeds'?
Raph says: 'Once we grow a GM crop outdoors, we can't control where its genes go. Some herbicide-resistant genes have spread to create superweeds.'
Rob says: 'It's true that there are a few examples of genes from GM crops moving to their wild relatives. But the rate is so low that we shouldn't abandon GM technology with all its benefits.'
Read the evidence about GM and the environment here and make up your own mind.
Will GM produce more food?
Rob says: 'GM crops have already helped boost crop yields. The latest studies show that farmers who grow GM get better harvests than those who don't.'
Raph says: 'Yes, it might increase crop yields on big farms, but simple, cheap solutions will be much more effective for farmers in the developing world.'
Read the evidence about whether GM can feed more people here and make up your own mind.
Who owns GM crops?
Raph says: 'Some GM companies are patenting plant genes and banning farmers from gathering seed from the GM crops they plant, so they'll have to buy new seed every year.'
Rob says: 'It sounds harsh, but companies spend decades and millions of pounds developing each GM crop. If they never made any money back, they could never afford to do it.'
Read the evidence about GM and big businesses here and make up your own mind.