The population of the world is increasing by around 83 million per year. This figure actually represents a decline by almost 50% in the growth rate from its peak of 2.2% in 1963 and further reductions are expected over the coming decades. The 20th century saw the biggest global increase of all time in the population and if the current levels of growth continue the world population will be around 9 billion by the year 2042. The increases are due to increased life expectancy and reduced mortality rates resulting from improvements in healthcare and agricultural productivity. Growth rates vary by region. There are estimates that over 90% of population growth in the future will be in developing countries. Central and Eastern Europe are experiencing a net decrease of population with Japan and some Western European countries expected to follow suit within the next 10 years

Scientists have been able to successfully genetically modify plants, animals and micro organisms for a number of years. They do this by manipulating genes to produce genetic changes (which could in theory occur naturally). Supporters of genetic modification claim that the benefits, such as being able to produce crops that are resistant to disease, will help alleviate world food shortages. Many environmentalists believe that the accidental release of genetically modified organisms into the environment is genetic pollution and they fear that the uncontrolled interbreeding of modified organisms with those occurring naturally will contaminate the environment in unforeseen and possibly dangerous ways. They point out that experiments done by researchers to reassure the public about the safety of GM crops have been carried out under scientifically controlled conditions which are far removed from the actual working conditions of food producers