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Genetic Engineering  
Recommended reading 

Many of the titles below are available from Amazon.co.uk, and can be ordered by clicking on the ISBN number. Any purchases from Amazon made in this way will earn PAN UK a small commission, so using these links is another way to support our work. Thank you.

Genetic Engineering Dream or Nightmare?: Turning the Tide on the Brave New World of Bad Science and Big Business, Mae-Wan Ho; Continuum International Publishing Group; Paperback, revised 2nd edition - 384 pages (March 2000) ISBN: 0826412572

An accessible exposition of the science behind genetic engineering biotechnology. Mae-Wan Ho examines the social and political implications of the intimate involvement of genetic engineering science with business. She points to serious hazards inherent in the technology largely ignored by industry and regulators.

Genetic Engineering for Pest Control, Dr. Len Copping; Agrow PJB Publications; 113 pages (1997) 

An industry perspective on the opportunities for genetic engineering in pest control. Written by Agrow, this comprehensive report outlines the main points of contention and offers the agro-chemical industry's arguments for GE.                                Click here for full review

Biopiracy, Vanda Shiva; Green Books; Paperback - 144 pages (October 1998); ISBN: 1870098749

An important book for anyone wanting to understand the global threat posed by the technological transformations of organisms, cells & molecules, and their exploitation for profit. Shows how western powers are using patenting & GE to re-colonize the Third World, & puts forward strong arguments for developing & supporting self-organised communities based on decentralisation, local democratic control of resources, & social justice. 

Advances in Insect Control—the role of transgenic plants, Nadine Carozzi and Michael Koziel; Taylor & Francis; Hardcover - 301 pages (19 March, 1997) ISBN: 0748404171
Genetics, Biotechnology and Breeding of Maize and Sorghum, A.S. Tsaftaris (Ed.); Royal Society of Chemistry; Hardcover - 227 pages (12 September, 1997); ISBN: 085404762X

Genetics, Biotechnology and Breeding of Maize and Sorghum is a technical book indicating the current state of knowledge of the subject. It outlines the latest research from international experts on the testing of transgenic maize, including data on maize genome analysis, molecular biology and genetic engineering. Advances in Insect Control covers the issue of genetic engineering, particularly where it involves insect-tolerant plants. Click here for full reviews

Against the Grain—The Genetic Transformation of Global Agriculture, Marc Lappe and Britt Bailey; Earthscan Publications Ltd.; Hardcover - 173 pages (1 January, 1999) ISBN: 1853835765

Public concern about what we are eating has never been greater. Yet within a few years, most of our food will have been genetically engineered, without proper consideration of the issues of public health, consumer choice and ecological stability. This book argues for full public accountability and control of these developments.

Genetically modified Crops II—Genetic engineering for herbicide tolerance, Dr L Copping; Agrow Reports;  106 pages (13th Nov 1998); www.pjbpubs.co.uk/agrep, Agrow offers its reports at half price to non-profit-making organisations.

Another report from Agrow - this time on the genetically modified herbicide tolerance business. Click here for full review
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Pesticide Chemistry and Bioscience: The Food-Environment Challenge, Edited by GT Brooks & TR Roberts; Royal Society of Chemistry Hardcover - 400 pages  (31 May, 1999) ISBN: 0854047093

Key papers from the four-yearly forum of the Congresses of Pesticide Chemistry held in 1998. Focused on the theme of the ‘Food-Environment Challenge’ they cover issues from the more policy end of the spectrum, to new chemistry, precision agriculture delivery of plant protection, pesticide resistance, environmental fate, residues in food & the environment, and regulation & risk assessment. Click here for full review

Redesigning life? Brian Tokar (Ed.), Zed Books,  Paperback - 440 pages (Feb 2001); ISBN: 1856498352 

Genetic engineering, (GE) animal cloning & new reproductive technologies are being promoted as the keys to a more productive agriculture, medical miracles, & a solution to environment problems. In reply this book offers a comprehensive examination of the hidden hazards of the new genetic technologies & the emergence of worldwide resistance. Twenty-six internationally respected critics offer their analysis of the issues, the social & ethical implications, & the stories that lie behind the headlines. 

GM Free–a Shoppers Guide to Genetically Modified Food, Sue Dibb and Tim Lobstein; Virgin Books; Paperback - 206 pages (15 April, 1999) ISBN: 0753503883

The authors, members of the Food Commission, explain the processes that allow GM ingredients into our food, and provide comprehensive listings of brands sold in the UK that are genuinely GM free (and those which are not). They list hundreds of foods which are GM free -  supplied by anyone from organic producers, wholefood companies, leading manufacturers & caterers, to fast food companies.

Genetically engineered food, A self defence guide for consumers, Ronnie Cummins and Ben Lilliston, Marlowe and Co, Paperback - 208 pages (28 July, 2000) ISBN: 1569246351

Two leading consumer advocates provide a comprehensive review of the risks posed by GE foods. 
They discuss the ethical, environmental & health arguments against GE food, how these foods are being regulated in the US & abroad, & why consumers are opposing them. Detailed information on how to identify the types of food most likely to be GE, where the major food companies, stores & restaurant chains stand on the issue, & which food companies and stores are going GE-free.

Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture, Economics and Politics, Gerald Nelson, Academic Press, Harcourt Publishers Ltd; Hardcover - 300 pages (22 March, 2001) ISBN: 0125154224

A comprehensive overview of the science, economics, and politics of the use of agricultural GMOs, with in depth coverage of the three most-widely used - Bt corn and cotton and Glyphosate-resistant soybeans. Contains chapters written from widely different perspectives by leading figures in the debates, and provides detailed information on topics including the history and the techniques of biotechnology. Click here for full review

Stolen Harvest: the hijacking of the global food supply,  Vandana Shiva, Paperback - 140 pages (January 2000); South End Press ISBN: 0896086070 

Charts the impacts of corporate and global agriculture on small-scale farmers, the environment, & the quality of our food. A stimulating environmental thinker, the author has closely studied the food system over 2 decades & charts how many aspects of the mechanisms of development, defined as ‘growth’ are based on theft from both nature & people, privatising and patenting seeds and intellectual property developed by farmers & indigenous people. 
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Rethinking risk: a Pilot Multi-criteria Mapping of a Genetically Modified Crop in Agricultural Systems in the UK, Andy Sterling and Sue Meyer; SPRU Publications Office; Paperback - 79 pages (29 September, 1999) ISBN: 0903622866 

The prospect of GM crops & foods has become a political hot potato in the UK. 
This innovative pilot study funded by the food company Unilever, shows how people with very different perspectives can participate constructively in discussion and regulatory appraisal.  Twelve specialists - including government advisors, biotechnologists and representatives of public interest groups - together help to create a map of the debate surrounding GM crops. Click here for full review

Farmageddon:  Food and the Culture of Biotechnology, Brewster Kneen; New Society Publishers, Canada, or Jon Carpenter Publishing, UK; Paperback - 231 pages (15 May, 1999); ISBN: 0-86571-394-4 

Always highly readable & thought-provoking, Brewster Kneen’s new book on biotechnology is an essential addition to the shelves of those questioning the  impacts of ‘restructuring life for corporate profit.’                             Click here for full review
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Hazard Identification of Agricultural Biotechnology: Finding relevant questions, Ad van Dommelen; International Books; Paperback - 238 pages (21 October, 1999); ISBN: 905727034X

Offers a path through the ‘expertocracy’ which surrounds the scientific controversies on genetic engineering. Helps to clarify the basis of the ‘scientifically informed’ policy choices being posed as the products of science and technology become more complex and remove decisions even further from democratic debate. The author develops the art of defining sets of relevant questions. An important book for scientists, regulators, and for those concerned about GE, contributing to the sound development of a precautionary approach. Click here for full review
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Leaking From the Lab, Gene Watch; The Courtyard, Whitecross Road, Tideswell, Derbyshire, SK17 8N, UK; Fax (0)1298 872 531; email gene.watch@dial.pipex.com

Gene Watch examines the misleadingly named ‘contained use’ of genetically modified micro-organisms (GMMs - bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and viruses) in its latest report . 
This well argued & researched report pulls no punches in its efforts to reveal the gigantic regulatory holes in microbial genetic safety. Click here for full review
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