This is not the same as GM crops (introducing DNA from another organism); it’s editing the existing organism’s DNA as a faster version of selective breeding.

It’s still not fast, though, partly because the genetics of crops are not well understood yet.

And, of course (something the article doesn’t address), the big problem with genetically manipulated crops isn’t that they’re somehow “dangerous”; it’s that they’re owned by the large corporates that develop them, who use their monopoly power and leverage for their own benefit, not that of the farmers or consumers (or the environment).

Also not addressed: a large part of the problem with the food supply is, and has been for decades, not the amount of food that can be produced worldwide, but the logistics of distributing it to where it’s needed. And political barriers and corruption are a big part of that.

That’s without even getting into the question of food waste.

(Sorry, food and nutrition are interests of mine, and something I’ve studied at a university level; they’re complicated, and a lot of the problems are people problems, not technology problems.)

Originally shared by Singularity Hub

How to Feed 9.7 Billion People? CRISPR Gene Editing For Crops http://bit.ly/2nfpxFL