Developing countries and GM crops

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Background

Projections are that food production currently could feed 6.5 billion (assuming perfectly efficient distribution) but that we will need to feed 9 billion by 2050.
We therefore need to double food production by 2050 (because of changes in diet in rapidly modernising countries like China).
Global food deficit predicted for 2020 - a relatively short period in terms of scientific advance and technological application.
Pests and diseases cause up to 40% losses in many tropical crops.
Cultural and dietary preferences in under-producing countries often differ from crops and varieties in over-producing countries, e.g. white and yellow maize, and locally within a country, e.g. basmati rice in India.
Grain reserves are historically low in relation to demand.
There are no major new prime lands for grain production (except possibly the Ukraine). Therefore, increases must come almost entirely from technology.
The technology challenge is amplified by progre...