Sir, - It is well known that there is no shortage of food in the world. Hunger is a result of the wasteful, and inefficient control and distribution of existing food. For example, because of the enormous demand for meat in Western countries, the amount of grain and other cereals fed to cattle, not to mention chickens and pigs, is equal to the caloric needs of at least 8 billion people.
According to US Dept of Agriculture statistics, one acre of land can grow 20,000 pounds of potatoes. That same acre of land, if used to grow feed for cattle, produces less than 165 pounds of beef. In an agricultural system designed to feed the Western appetite for meat, GM foods will not change the lot of the poor. - Yours, etc.,
John Enright, Howth Street, San Francisco.