Thomas R. DeGregori

Thomas R. DeGregori is a professor of economics at the University of Houston. In the following viewpoint, he maintains that the use of genetic engineering and other biotechnologies in agriculture promises to dramatically increase food production. The author believes that movements to ban or put special labels on genetically modified (GM) food are “pandering to hysteria.” There is no scientific basis for claims that such foods are harmful to human health or the environment, he writes. In DeGregori’s view, the opposition to genetic engineering in agriculture is part of a larger effort among environmentalists to attack technological progress in general.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the author, what socioeconomic groups benefit most from the use of biotechnology in medicine, and what groups are most...