There have been plenty of other surprises since she was elected an MP in 1983 for Ladywood in Birmingham but none more so when she revealed she had a fully grown son - a fact that had previously escaped everybody's attention.
Because much of the loss to insects and diseases occurs after the plants are fully grown, the use of genetically engineered varieties that have higher post-harvest yields means that the farming (and irrigation) of fewer plants can produce the same total amount of food.
What began as a semi-improvised piano piece has grown into a full symphonic work, giving McPartland a vehicle with which to fully express her appreciation for Carson's vision, as well as their shared concern for the destiny of the natural world.