WHEN the Roman Empire was at its zenith, the human population of the planet was probably little in excess of 100 million.
The billion mark was not reached until some time during the Napoleonic wars. Thomas Malthus then predicted that "the human species would breed itself into starvation"!
One hundred and twenty-five years later, circa 1930, the World population doubled. In the last 70 years the figure has trebled and now stands at six billion, plus. Whatever would Malthus think now?
How to feed the burgeoning billions? Earth's resources can only be finite. The introduction of genetically modified crops is a brave and bold move designed to alleviate the problems faced by Mankind.
Of course, as yet, we cannot be sure of possible future effects GM crops may have for people and other life forms. Further experimentation is needed.
However the scientific community and companies such as Monsanto deserve better than to be harassed by anarchists and the heir to the British throne.
No wonder the latter's father and sister have both seen fit to publicly disagree with him.
D E MARGRETT,
Worcester.
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