Letter: Hunger and GM crops

Nick Birch (Cutting Edge, THES , March 30) justifies his genetically modified crop research by claiming that scientists need to improve crop production to feed a rapidly growing population.

Since when has crop science made a significant and sustained impact on the poor, the people who suffer food shortages and malnutrition?

Even if there were a green revolution, there is a limit to the world's crop production capacity. Research into population stabilisation and the causes of poverty would be a more effective use of his time.

Richard Wilson
Bicester