Journalists covering science, agriculture and food need to wake up to the influence and track record of the pesticide and junk food industries, and stand up for the public interest.

It's going to be a big global challenge to feed our growing population without destroying the environment, but modern biotechnology can play an important role in meeting our future food demands in a sustainable manner. Biotech can increase crop yields, help develop new crops, and adapt existing crops to be cultivated on marginal lands with reduced fresh-water inputs.

This decision doesn't just disappoint. It is truly frightening for it vividly demonstrates the powerful grip that a handful of major chemical/biotech companies hold over our regulatory process.

GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms, have frequented news headlines over the last few years. But you still may be asking yourself: "What exactly are GMOs?" Here is the basic rundown of all you need to know.

We need to encourage people to eat better and to stay away from processed food. But I don't agree with setting up these examples as a way to squash debate on organics and GMOs.