Can GM crops make a relevant contribution to solving health problems in developing countries?
4.21 The development of Golden Rice (see case study 4) has been a focus of much public discussion. Strong claims have been made by both proponents as well as opponents, in some cases in the absence of validated empirical evidence. Some see Golden Rice as a prime example of an ineffective technological fix and a waste of public and private funds. They argue that access to food should be achieved through reforms in political, economic and social policies rather than through the introduction of biotechnology-based solutions. Others claim that provision of a greater variety of food is the best solution to improving health.20 4.22 Most of the proponents of Golden Rice do not see the crop as a long-term substitute for a properly balanced diet. However green leafy vegetables, which are often cited as an appropriate alternative for the provision of vitamin A, are seldom inexpensive nor available year-round to people in developing countries. In addition, if and when they are available and affor
