The world's population is currently around 6 billion people, with about 1 billion living in poverty without reliable access to food, despite overall food production being more than enough to feed everyone. Population is predicted to outstrip food production by the mid-21st century, so a "doubly green revolution" is needed to produce affordable food for the entire global population. Biotechnology including GM crops could help address this issue, but more GM research must focus on the needs of less developed countries to avoid exploitation by wealthier nations for commercial gain alone. A partnership approach between private companies in developed countries and public/charitable research organizations may help solve these challenges.

1. Part III : Ethical Issues in Agriculture and Food Production

2. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

3. Keywords: Africa; food security; globalisation; GM; green revolution; India; justice; partnership; population; poverty Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

4. The world's population at the start of the 21 st century is about 6 billion. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

5. Of these, about 1 billion live in poverty and do not enjoy food security, despite the fact the world produces more than enough food. In the mid-21 st century, population is predicted to outstrip food production. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

6. What is needed is a ‘doubly green’ revolution to produce affordable food for the whole population of the world. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

7. Biotechnology, including the use of GM crops, could play a role in this. More GM research must be directed at the needs of less-developed countries. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

8. However, the commercial power in crop GM technology lies with a small number of large and powerful companies. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

9. This opens the way for exploitation of less-developed countries by the richer nations, on a purely commercial basis. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries

10. A partnership approach between the private sector in developed countries and publicly or charitably funded research organisations is a possible way forward. Chapter 11. Crop Biotechnology and Developing Countries