Genetically modified wheat is finding paths into crop production in some parts of the world, and the science behind it is increasingly established and sound. It could lead to higher yields and reduce production risks, enhancing the global food supply.

So why isn’t it on the table globally? The primary answer is lack of widespread market acceptance, and that is no small hurdle.

But the world is gradually changing.

Brazil was the first to allow imports last year. However, none of those three countries permit production of the crop.

At present, much of the world is fed and oiled on GM crops. In the past 30 years, dozens of GM crops have been found safe for use and approved across the globe. Without them, many yields would be significantly lower, more diesel fuel and tillage would add to the greenhouse gas balances in our environment, sugar would be a much pricier item and more of the world’s poor would be hungry.

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Public skepticism about the safety and benefits of GM breeding tools, fueled by anti-science groups, has kept politicians from doing the right things for humanity.

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