CENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND ETHICS

Although genetic engineering has been considered to be the real answer to the world hunger and therefore global food security, there are many associated issues, particularly ethical aspects, yet to be answered. Genetic pollution of the environment, uncertainties over the consequences of genetic manipulation ,intellectual property rights, international trade and relations, biopiracy, negative impacts on agrobiodiversity are only a few of subjects to be considered . however , the impact of genetically modified crops on the social , economic and cultural values of the developing countries seems to be more pronounced . the negative impacts of this technology on genetic resources and indigenous knowledge of developing world have been well documented, therefore it is relevant to point out our views on these aspects. Since Iran has been regarded as one of the major centers of origins and diversity of many present day crops worldwide and also the historical contribution of Iranian farmers to agricultural evolution is well documented, property rights must be implemented with regards to our believes, norms and values to safeguard our interest and benefits. This is true for mar.y common crops such as wheat which has been evolved in our part of the world and also for special a crops such as wheat which has been evolved in our part the world and also for special crops such as saffron, pistachio , medicinal plants and cumin which are unique to our cropping systems. We also draw attention of the world scientific communities on the risk involved testing GM commodities on societies in the south through provision of humanitarian aids by developed nations.