Editor, Times-Union: Ironically, many who object to genetically modified foods eat foods that have been genetically modified for centuries. Centuries ago, corn had a few kernels on each stalk. Now we have hugs ears of corn on each stalk. Livestock used to be smaller. Farmers and ranchers bred larger animals until they became what they are today. Wild animals were domesticated. At Thanksgiving, would you rather feast on a scrawny wild turkey or a huge-breasted one? In the future, genetic manipulation could help farmers and ranchers produce more food and make more profits. In my book, “The Madhouse Projects,” I wrote about an agricultural department where rats and hogs were genetically combined to produce a hybrid called a rog. It grew to over 200 pounds and was as ugly as sin; like a giant rat. But it produced several litters each year, produced leaner meat, matured fast, and could eat almost anything. If rog farming becomes profitable, rogs may become popular. I wrote about genetically modified cattle and poultry that are enormous. Imagine a chicken the size of an emu that has four legs. One chicken could feed a family of four for a week. Imagine a milk cow the size of a hippo producing upwards of 100 gallons of milk daily. It would eat and drunk as much as a hippo. But increased milk production may earn dairy farmers much more than the cost to feed and care for the cows. Vertical farm towers will have genetically modified fruits, vegetables and nuts grown on walls. My great aunt and uncle had a strawberry patch near Packerton four years that eventually expanded to over five acres. One floor that grows strawberries on the walls will produce 100 times more berries than my relatives could each year. Fruits and nuts will grow on vines and not trees. Harvesting will be easier. “Designer” plants and animals will make grocery shopping interesting. Fish that taste like steak and potato-sized peanuts will taste like cashews or almonds. In the future, foods that have a molecular structure that is the opposite of what is normal will taste normal. Since we can’t digest such foods, they could be considered diet food. A person could eat an entire pie and not gain an ounce. Once genetically modified food is accepted by the general public and considered totally safe, farmers and ranchers will be ready to satisfy the hunger and tastes of the public. Rick Badman Warsaw
