An Iowa native who won the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize says world peace is directly linked to world hunger. Dr. Norman Borlaug says consumer resistance to genetic modification of crops “discourages progress at a time when the world needs it most.”Borlaug ushered in the so-called “Green Revolution” by developing higher-yielding wheat. Borlaug says scientists and agri-businesses have done a poor job in preparing the public for genetic advances.Tests released Monday indicate taco shells sold in the U-S might contain corn which isn’t approved for human consumption. Borlaug says such controversies over genetic modification are “discouraging.” He says we have to upgrade the knowledge of everyone on this fast changing situation.Borlaug says environmentalists who criticize genetically modified seeds should embrace genetic advances, which bring higher crop yields. He says the alternative is to use marginal land that will eventually become unproductive.Borlaug grew up in Cresco, Iowa. Borlaug, who is 85, spoke yesterday at Pioneer Hi-Bred in Johnston. He’s a visiting professor at Texas A-and-M University — still testing new seeds around the globe.
