Factory farming, artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and more recently antibiotics have all added fuel to the great emotional fire that is fanned when scientists are seen to interfere with nature. There is no doubt that some aspects of the present day use of chemicals in agriculture do give cause for concern but if the aims of the farmers are to be realised we must view the situation objectively and assess the risks involved. The aims of the farmer are to provide more food, better food, cheaper food and a wider range of food. The problem of adequate food supplies has plagued the whole history of mankind and the situation is likely to deteriorate in the near future unless modern technology can be applied to alleviate the poverty and hunger found in many of the developing countries today.