Question: What is your opinion on transgenetics, do you think it is wrong as you are transforming the 'natural' world completely, and replacing it with your 'perfect' breed? Or do you believe that the change in genes for animals to produce more things like milk or meat is for the better?

Lena Ciric answered on 15 Mar 2012:

Hiya. This is a great question and also a really difficult one to answer.

I definitely feel uneasy about messing with nature and the course of evolution. And ultimately what we think of as “perfect” is not necessary perfect when it comes to adaptation to the environment and survival. We have been the first species that has changed the Earth so dramatically for our own benefit. We’re in a position of great power and it’s now up to us to use this power with respect.

On the other hand, although we have plenty of food, many people around the world don’t so if genetically modified crops and cattle can provide food for them this can only be a good thing. The Western world has the luxury of passing judgement about genetic modification because we have plenty. Remember that we’ve been breeding cattle and crops to suit our needs for thousands of years – they are also genetically modified just not in the modern way.