DJ Nozem: Europe: Against Stronger Monocultures
Or, why I despair at libertarianism, take 2287623.From Marginal Revolution:It turns out, by the way, that the world's supply of Cavendish bananas -- the ones we eat -- is endangered by disease (more here) and many experts believe the entire strain will vanish. Most other banana strains are much harder to cultivate and transport on a large scale, so enjoy your bananas while you can. The previous and supposedly tastier major strain of banana -- Gros Michel -- is already gone and had disappeared by the 1950s, again due to disease. Today, European opposition to GMO is one factor discouraging progress in developing a substitute and more robust banana crop.Bad Europeans. Preventing progress towards a more successful monoculture because of their silly green ways.
Or, why I despair at libertarianism, take 2287623.From Marginal Revolution:
It turns out, by the way, that the world's supply of Cavendish bananas -- the ones we eat -- is endangered by disease (more here) and many experts believe the entire strain will vanish. Most other banana strains are much harder to cultivate and transport on a large scale, so enjoy your bananas while you can. The previous and supposedly tastier major strain of banana -- Gros Michel -- is already gone and had disappeared by the 1950s, again due to disease. Today, European opposition to GMO is one factor discouraging progress in developing a substitute and more robust banana crop.
Well, of course. Europe just has to say yes to GM bananas, and the problem is solved. There are currently no resistant GM varieties, research horizon at least 5-10 years. And if this is to continue monoculture, how long will it be before another pathogen strikes? Wankers.
