Advanced English Reading and Comprehension

44 practice makes perfect Advanced English Reading and Comprehension

11 So-called terminator crops that have been engineered for male sterility threaten both the

environment and family farms. Sterile crops cannot produce seed, which means that farmers who

used to save and replant seed are forced to buy new seed each planting season. Because plants

reproduce through cross-pollination, the danger of transgenic contamination of non-GE crops

and wild species can be neither avoided nor controlled, and the spread of sterile genes could be

devastating. In 2011, 60 family farmers, seed businesses, and organic agricultural organizations

iled a lawsuit against Monsanto, turning the tables on a multinational giant that has been in the

habit of bringing patent infringement suits against farmers. hese plaintifs claimed that their

crops had been contaminated by Monsanto’s seeds. he number of lawsuits against companies

like Monsanto has been growing.

12 Healthy crops can grow only in healthy environments. A signiicant number of farmers all

over the world have been turning to sustainable agriculture in the form of organic, ecological, and

biological agriculture as an economic, environmental, and socially viable means of boosting food

production and protecting their livelihood. Contrary to the argument that organic farming pro-

duces low yields, studies have shown that agroecological practices not only increase yields, but

also improve soil quality, reduce pests and diseases, restore traditional breeds and varieties, and

result in better-tasting, more nutritious foods.

13 Of all the applications that genetic research has come up with, biotechnology and genetic

engineering will likely remain the most controversial. he amount of time, energy, and money

that has already been invested indicates that genetic engineering is here to stay, but the associated

health and environmental risks coupled with social, philosophical, and ethical issues will con-

tinue to fuel the debate. Battles between companies claiming their right to do business and small

farmers and producers defending their right to reject GE products will be lost and won in court.

Biotechnological research will produce successes and failures, and studies will show positive and

negative indings on both sides. In the end, the future will be decided by everyday consumers,

who will choose what kind of food they put on their tables and into their mouths.

After reading

In the Pre-reading section, check to see if your predictions about the reading text were correct.

Vocabulary

4 · 1

EXERCISE

Thematic vocabulary List 10 words or phrases related to agriculture.