GM foods: an unexpected European growth story

Producing higher yields and using less water than traditional varieties, GM crops could be the answer to the world's rising demand for food. Long resisted in Europe, they have now been given a tentative thumbs up by the EU, leading to strong investment opportunities. James McKeigue explains, and tips the best bet in the sector.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) worry critics. But global food demand is set to keep growing strongly. That means investing in so-called "Frankenfoods" could yet prove very profitable.

Governments were given a sharp warning about the tightening of global food supplies when prices for key 'soft commodities' spiked in 2008. That sparked riots in several countries. Prices have since fallen, but the long-term structural challenges remain. The UN predicts that demand for food will increase 50% by 2030.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
James McKeigue

James graduated from Keele University with a BA (Hons) in English literature and history, and has a certificate in journalism from the NCTJ. James has worked as a freelance journalist in various Latin American countries.He also had a spell at ITV, as welll as wring for Television Business International and covering the European equity markets for the Forbes.com London bureau. James has travelled extensively in emerging markets, reporting for international energy magazines such as Oil and Gas Investor, and institutional publications such as the Commonwealth Business Environment Report. He is currently the managing editor of LatAm INVESTOR, the UK's only Latin American finance magazine.