Genetic Engineering is a controversial subject which can be discussed on many levels, scientific, political and social  – or it can be reduced to a single issue matter as simple as the commercialisation of a new technology.  The following two quotes illustrate how polarised attitudes towards this radical technology can be.  The first quote comes from the man who, with his partner, discovered the double helix structure of DNA and is often called the father of genetic science.  The second quote comes from the director of corporate communications at Monsanto, one of the world´s largest and most powerful multi-national biotech companies.

“This [genetic engineering] is a matter far too important to be left solely in the hands of the scientific and medical communities. The belief that…science always moves forward represents a form of laissez-faire nonsense dismally reminiscent of the credo that American business if left to itself will solve everybody's problems. Just as the success of a corporate body in making money need not set the human condition ahead, neither does every scientific advance automatically make our lives more ‘meaningful’.”  

(Dr. James Watson, co-discover of the double helix structure of DNA and Nobel laureate)

 “Monsanto should not have to vouchsafe the safety of biotech food.  Our interest is in selling as much of it as possible.”  

(Phil Angill, the Director of Corporate Communications at Monsanto)