There's almost no food that isn't genetically modified. Genetic modification is the basis of all evolution. Things change because our planet is subjected to a lot of radiation, which causes DNA damage, which gets repaired, but results in mutations, which create a ready mixture of plants that people can choose from to improve agriculture.

The influence of a science adviser is only as good as ears open to that science advice.

Myths about the dire effects of genetically modified foods on health and the environment abound, but they have not held up to scientific scrutiny. And, although many concerns have been expressed about the potential for unexpected consequences, the unexpected effects that have been observed so far have been benign.

I don't know how you overcome the dearth of scientists in the government positions.

Civilization depends on our expanding ability to produce food efficiently, which has markedly accelerated thanks to science and technology.

If everybody switched to organic farming, we couldn't support the earth's current population - maybe half.

New molecular methods that add or modify genes can protect plants from diseases and pests and improve crops in ways that are both more environmentally benign and beyond the capability of older methods.