Genescapes, The Ecology of Genetic Engineering

A new book by the author of 'Eat Your Genes' about the much-debated issue of the environmental effects of transgenic crops. The author explains the overall principles of ecology before applying these to questions of gene flow and contamination by GM crops. He offers an informed and balanced view that acknowledges that GM crops may make a valuable contribution to food production. However he argues for a more cautious approach to their release, given the potential damage to ecosystems and the power of the multinational corporations involved that may threaten agricultural diversity and the independence of small farmers.