Many people are looking to European countries as evidence on how to run a healthy country, but in reality there is a great deal of precaution (an important theme in international relation, especially in environment and public health instances) has been a very delicate question in transatlantic relations, especially pertaining to regulation laws. This precaution usually stems from the differences in laws in how genetically modified foods can be shipped from country to country. GMO’s are good examples of how regulatory laws greatly vary from country to country (the European Union has much more strict regulatory laws compared to the United States). There has been a positive trend especially at the state/community level, where in some cases there has been extensive legislation and policy changes over the past quarter century. I think that the biggest mystery in all this genetically modified food chaos is the FDA’s lack of influence, which has in turn created tension between them and various states and has ultimately caused a guessing game in the grocery aisle for many customers. Consequently it is then believed to be unethical by some. Yet others would agree the benefits GMOs have provided are ethically sound. Going back to Al-Hayani’s statement, the creation of GMOs, though unnatural written essays online, has shown some promise in bettering our lives and our environment. Genetically modified crops have provided an abundance of produce, as well as improved products like golden rice, in order to better our lives and that of others in need. With that said, GMOs would seem to be accepted as ethically sound. It is the people’s social responsibility to address and seek solutions to problems such as world hunger. Society is currently at a point where it has acknowledged problems alike and are searching, even found, answers. It is said that poverty has seen a larger decrease in the past fifty years, than the prior five centuries (Al-Hayani, 2007). Bizeau, C. (n.d.). Social, political, and economic impact. Retrieved from http://tbcgeneticmod.wix.com/gmos In countries like India, the people are afraid that if they switch over to genetically modified organisms many people will lose their jobs. India is a country with over 1.1 billion people and it continues to grow. There are over 600 million farmers in India, and if they were to start using genetically modified organisms then over 580 million farmers will be looking for work. There are no other job industry in India that is creating this many jobs. It would not be logical for India farmers to switch to genetically modified crops. They would go from about 580 million farmers to only 20 million farmers; that just an impact that it will have on India’s economy. There needs to be further studies conducted to fully understand the effects this could have on human health and also on the environment. The concerns raised by environmental groups, religious organizations, political interest groups and government officials, scientist and different associations about genetically modified foods are criticized for businesses pursuing profits without worrying about the potential hazards and also for the government’s failure to exercise any regulatory oversight. Everyone has an opinion on GMOs and until we have further information we have to assume that it could be a good solution to our growing population and food supply, but we need to take the necessary precautions before we find ourselves worse off. In the United States three different government agencies have jurisdiction over the genetically modified organism foods. The agencies include Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration. The EPA evaluates genetically modified plants for environmental safety. The EPA also conducts risk assessment studies on pesticides that could cause harm to human health and the environment. The USDA evaluates whether the plant is safe to grow or not. The USDA is responsible for all the genetically modified organism crops that do not fall under the umbrella of the EPA; an example of the crops that the USDA handles are drought tolerant, and disease tolerant crops. The USDA has several internal divisions which all share the responsibility for assessing genetically modified organism foods. University of California San Diego. (n.d.). Genetically modified organisms (gmo). Retrieved from http://www.bt.ucsd.edu/gmo.html Debora. W. (2000, April). Genetically modified foods: Harmful or helpful. Retrieved from http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php People wonder if it is ethical to file intellectual property on the genetic sequence of an organism. Biotech companies argue that IP-based revenue is used to promote further research and some worry that ownership of a particular sequence prevents widespread research and hinders scientific discovery. The U.S Supreme court ruled that patents cannot be filed on naturally occurring human gene sequences, but this ruling left room for loopholes and does not apply to GMO products. Legal debates are far from over. The political implications on genetic engineering in the world of science and around the world are a controversial topic. It is evident that with population on the rise there will not be enough production of food to sustain the needs of the growing population. This could be a possible solution to help sustain the world food supply. Genetically modified organisms have brought good news and a brighter future for many, but have also been called into question by our ethics. Genetically modified organisms or GMOs, have had a huge impact when it comes to foods and its production along with any other areas it may touch. There is a vast spectrum, from ending world hunger to being able to produce indulgent, yet unnecessary, foods like burgers in a lab (Lynas, 2014). It’s a truly fascinating thing to see such unimaginable science at work; and the endless, and quite unclear, possibilities it may bring. With an infinite amount of uncertain prospects thesis on it management, should there be some rules, standards, or guidelines set in place and reinforced for those who are practicing the science? Society has witnessed how technology can benefit us, but we have also come to realize the many downsides following close behind. Society needs to take the time to analyze both sides of the spectrum related to genetically modified organisms, crops, and food, when it comes to our environment, our morals, and our ethics. There is no denying the many benefits technology, referring back to our topic of GMOs, can provide to improve our world. One couldn’t imagine such commendable technology being questioned or seen as unethical when it is providing society with indefinite aforementioned results. And even so it holds its skeptics. With all the technology available to us, there are some individuals who make the mistake of believing we control nature. It’s unwelcomed by some to think nature controls us, and unacceptable to give in to the idea we will never have complete control of our environment. Genetically engineered technologies continue to garner mixed feelings. The unstable technology has been able to deliver assistance to society, but even the worldly provided benefits have been called into question considering its enigma. Lynas, M. (2014). Good Crops. Technology Review, 117(1), 12. Sandu, G. H. (2010). Biblical Bioethics essay concerning genetically modified organisms. Scientific Papers: Series D, Animal Science – The International Session Of Scientific Communications Of The Faculty Of Animal Science, 12-14. Golden rice is one of the most talked about gifts produced by GMOs. The GMOs that created golden rice have made it possible for it to produce beta-carotene, in hopes of reducing vitamin A deficiency (Lynas, 2014). An independent humanitarian board runs the project, though there are doubts as to where the technological producers’ intentions truly lie. Society has seen the interests they have in looking for ways to end world hunger, but the revenue GMOs also produce can be a strong motivational factor. Malnutrition has been a problem for some unfortunate countries, most of which are undeveloped and poverty stricken. Countries who either cannot plant crops due to lack of fertile land, or do not have the money to buy nourishment. When something as precious as golden rice looks so appealing and promising, why is it that there are organizations such as Greenpeace rising against these “good crops”? (Lynas, 2014) Genetically modified organisms are beneficial in many ways. The GMOs used to cultivate a new class of crops, known as genetically modified crops, have a list of other valuable qualities besides its fruitful fields. Genetic structure on any living thing is very intricate and complex. The consequences that technology of genetically modified organism could have on the environment is not known and a system as complex as genetic codes is not something to take lightly and should not be taken for granted without knowing all the facts. Despite the legal, ethical and environmental controversies surrounding GMO products there is potential on many different research horizons. Genetic engineering could prove to be a useful tool to help address the increasing rate of population and the problem of global hunger must be addressed. It is important to weigh the benefits and consequences and not dismiss this technology before we have all the facts. There needs to be more research to help evaluate the safety of genetic engineering and to realize its full potential for scientific discovery. We will discuss throughout the rest of this paper the advantages and disadvantages of genetically modifying foods and crops. Genetic pollution can affect the ecological system in many ways. The uncontrolled flow of genetic information being released by GM crops can cause organic or untreated organisms, to completely be wiped out (Godheja, 2013). GMOs are not organic personal statement for college scholarships example, and if they were to poison our entire environment, nothing would be considered natural anymore. Recently mass media essays, there was an interview with a farmer who was growing organic fruit, but when tested, the end product had traces of GMOs. This discovery lead to people questioning what they are consuming. Farmers have everything to gain, but what of the people ingesting the supposed “safe” yet unidentified creations? Not to mention, the environment is ever-changing, evolving, and modifying to be able to survive in its own natural way. Therefore the, now modified as well, organisms that have always attacked the farmer’s harvest can, and more than likely will, find a way to develop resistance against pesticides and herbicides at hand (Godheja, 2013). Suddenly our delightful, and prosperous, dreams start to turn into a bitter nightmare. Think about a farmer’s market or any other store where you may do your grocery shopping. Now imagine it being filled with many colorful and delightful looking vegetables and fruits, a real lavish produce dream. That dream is not far from becoming true if GM crops were able to truly flourish. There are crops, such as the Bt brinjal (genetically modified eggplant variation). Bt brinjal are resistant to certain complications that farmers must combat during the harvest. Having resistant genetically modified crops would remove the need to spray insecticides, thus reducing exposure of carcinogenic residues for both farmers and consumers (Lynas, 2014). Mark Lynas said in his article titled Good Crops, “These crops can reduce the use of environmentally damaging agrochemicals, and several have been developed by public-sector organizations concerned with food security, the reduction of poverty, and sustainability.” Though we may not all have the same beliefs, there is one statement that stands out and should be remembered by us all: “God didn’t make a mistake, no matter how much we’ll strive or boast, trying to transform ourselves in creators, we can’t arrange things better than the way He did” (Sandu, 2010). There is so much technology that serves many outcomes to our people, our society, our environment, and our future. All in all, it’s important to always keep, not one’s, but everybody’s best interest in mind. Constable, A. Jonas, D. Cockburn, A. Davi, A. Edwards, G. Hepburn, P. & The one exception in the United States is Whole Foods, who independently (mainly because they view themselves as the healthy grocery store compared to the Food Lions, Walmart, and Targets of the world) announced at Natural Products Expo West in March 2013, that all products in every store in the United States and Canada “must be labeled to indicate if they contain genetically modified organisms (GMO)” per Whole Foods press release. As of late, genetic modification of food has been associated with a great deal of media attention, although technically this rise of media coverage was by the spring of 1999 (add). With the rise of GMO awareness groups (especially when considering food) media attention has risen in the past decade due to consumer complaints have also led to a more close eye on what exactly is going on, and further investigation into what we, as a country, are putting into our body. Through all of the media frenzy and consumer uproar, eat healthy movements have led many of these consumers to question the validity of the GMO companies claiming their products are healthy. Along with economic advantages, there are also disadvantages. Some people believe that the farmers are the biggest losers when it comes to genetically modified agriculture. It is believed that farmers are tricked with deceptive advertising. Although genetically modified crops can produce a little more corn than organic crops; genetically modified crops reduces other output from the plant for example seeds, leaves, roots etc. Organic crops serve as food for earthworms, fungi, and other beneficial insects that will turn it into fertilizer for the next crop. The genetically modified organism can decimate the communities of organisms that create soil, so that the farmer is stuck wondering why their soil fertility drops every year. Think back to the last meal you had; now think about how much of that food you consumed was genetically modified (GM). About 80% of today’s processed food contains genetically modified organisms, otherwise known as GMO’s. (Hemphill, Syagnik). If you have never questioned where the food you consume on a daily basis comes from, it is time to start questioning. A genetically modified organism is a new version of a plant or animal that is created by altering genes using biotechnology (“What Is a GMO?”). Today, more than 40 types of plants have been genetically modified and on the market to buy (Network). An astonishing 90% of Canola young essays, 88% of Corn and 94% of soy are GM (“What Is a GMO?”). The FDA claims that GMO’s are nothing to worry about, and that it is perfectly healthy to consume food that is artificially made. From their perspective, GM plants are just as safe and tested the same as traditionally bred plants (“U.S. Food and Drug Administration”). The FDA leaves the safety testing up to companies that produces GMO’s, however the tests hide the raw facts of the dangers, so they can gain profit from consumers. On the other hand, independent research not sponsored by these corrupt companies verify that GMO’s found in food are not nearly as safe as certified organic food. GMO’s have been proven to cause cancer, harm the environment, and induce multiple other health problems (“The Truth About GMOs”). Banning GMO’s would create a cleaner world to live in, without having to worry about what the food you eat is made of. Although banning may not be possible in the near future due to the large corporations that profit off of GMO’s, Labeling products should be a requirement so that consumers can choose if they want genetically made food or not. The largest seed corporation in the world that produces and sells genetically modified seeds is Monsanto. This company produces seeds that resist herbicides and weed killers, by using biotechnology. After the seeds are planted and grown, the food is therefore genetically modified. Mostly 27% of genetically modified crops made in the world come from farmers that use their seeds (Kimbrell). There are many unusual factors about how Monsanto runs their company. To start, they require every farmer to sign a detailed contract stating that they must re-purchase new seeds after a year. It is apparent that Monsanto just wants to make money off of making farmers buy seeds even if they don’t need more (GMO OMG). Citizens that try and take action against GMO’s by developing laws to label them get shut down by lobbyists that Monsanto pays off. The corporation spends an average of six billion dollars on lobbying every year. (Sarich). If GMO’s are as safe as Monsanto and other corporations similar to them say they are, then why are they afraid of labeling food products? Following the Earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, Monsanto donated 475 tons of seeds to Haitian farmers, as a way to “help” them in this devastating time (Greenhalgh). Seeds that are naturally made are important to the people of Haiti; and because of this they protested and committed to burning their entire donation. Coming from the people of the poorest country of the world, this outcry should say something about the ethics of GMO’s (GMO OMG). If the people of Haiti do not accept the plethora of genetically modified seeds given to them in the most desperate of times, then why are Americans consuming food that comes from these seeds at almost every meal? In the words of Chavannes Jean-Baptiste; the Leader of the Peasant Movement of Papay, Hemphill, Thomas A. and Syagnik Banerjee. “Mandatory Food Labeling For Gmos.” Regulation 37.4 (2014): 7-10. Business Source Premier. Web. 8 Apr. 2015. Greenhalgh, Michelle. “Haitian Farmers Reject Monsanto Donation | Food Safety News.” Food Safety News. N.p. 06 June 2010. Web. 14 Apr. 2015. <http://www.foodsafetynews.com> ;. “Going against GMO’s.” Better Nutrition 76.10 (2014): 52-54. Health Source Consumer Edition. Web. 14 Apr. 2015. Faber, Scott. “GMO Labeling Will Not Increase Food Prices.” EWG. N.p. 24 Mar. 2015. Web. 09 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ewg.org> ;. As a consumer, you barely have a choice whether or not you want to avoid GMO’s because most products aren’t labeled. There are ways to avoid them everywhere and although it may be difficult, it can be done. When shopping at a grocery store, USDA Organic labeled foods and fresh produce the safest option. If buying processed foods, make sure you look for products with a Non-GMO Project Verified label. The major nine genetically made crops that are sold in grocery stores include corn, canola, cottonseed, sugar beets, soybeans, alfalfa (fed to livestock), papaya, yellow squash and zucchini. You should also be cautious of additional GMO’s added to foods like Aspartame, which used in diet sodas and artificial sweeteners (Going against GMO’s”).
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A very important quality of food is the nutritional value that is possesses. Malnutrition is quite prevalent, especially in third world countries where people tend to rely on only one crop to fulfill their dietary needs. If however, these crops could be genetically modified to contain the amount of vitamins and nutrients necessary to sustain a healthy diet, it would be a great advantage. For example, in third world countries blindness caused by a vitamin A deficiency is very common, so researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Institute for Plant Sciences have developed what they call, “golden” rice, which contains uniquely high levels of vitamin A. The hope in this development is that this rice, funded by the non-profit organization Rockefeller Foundation, can be sent to any countries that request it. In addition to increased protection from diseases, pests and herbicides, there are other key reasons for genetic modification. Many crops are destroyed due to troubling weather conditions. Frost can come at unexpected times causing destruction to sensitive crops. Cold water fish have an antifreeze gene which, when introduced to plants like tobacco and potatoes, can lead to a higher tolerance to cold temperatures. Similarly, plants can also develop the ability to withstand droughts. “Development and History of GM Foods – Genetically Modified Foods (UK).” Comphrensive Advice on Genetically Modified Foods at Genetically Modified Foods (UK). Web. 24 Oct. 2010. There are ethical issues surrounding genetic modification as well. Many people question if it is unethical to alter nature by taking the genes of one species and mixing it with another. There is also the question of whether or not it is ethically wrong to violate the essential values of organisms. This process can stress animals as well, as their natural ways of life and food production are being compromised in ways that are having essentially unknown effects on the animal. The ethicality of labeling foods as genetically modified is a very controversial issue. In the United States, labeling foods is not mandatory and to the many people who do not want to consume these foods, this is viewed as very unethical. From an economic perspective, genetically modifying foods is very costly. With new technologies that are continuously surfacing, companies are starting to want to patent their ideas, and this raises the concern that with patents will come a raise in price of seeds, making business very difficult for farmers who will not be able to afford them. This would result in the domination of food production throughout the world by only a few companies if GM foods reached such a high existence. It would also increase the dependence of developing countries on industrialized nations. Lastly, it could also result in biopiracy, or foreign exploitation of natural resources. Farmers need to obtain licenses in order to use such chemicals, and the amount they are permitted ot use is regulated. The USDA includes different divisions each responsible for their own branch of assessment. “Among these divisions are APHIS, the Animal Health and Plant Inspection Service, which conducts field tests and issues permits to grow GM crops, the Agricultural Research Service which performs in-house GM food research, and the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service which oversees the USDA risk assessment program.” (Csa.com) The FDA is involved when companies producing GM foods have issues they feel they want to consult with them about. They are not required to go to the FDA though. In 1998, a doctor from Aberdeen, in Scotland, published results from a research study he conducted suggesting that genetically modified potatoes, injected with an insecticide gene from the snowdrop plant, were toxic to rats. A year later it was announced that beginning in 1999, there were to be trials of genetically modified crops engineered to be resistant to herbicides. The purpose of the trials was to uncover the effects of these crops on farmland wildlife. However, this was criticized to be potentially dangerous to nearby crops, as well as honey that could be affected by cross-pollination. Sure enough, later that year pollen from genetically modified oilseed rape, a plant that is used to produce canola oil, was found at beehives almost three miles away. Two out of nine samples of honey being sold in supermarkets were contaminated in May 2000. At this point in time, nine out of ten people were against the idea of genetically modifying foods. “Genetically Modified Foods and Organisms –HGP Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues.” Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. Chapman, By James. “History of Genetically Modified Food | Mail Online.” Home | Mail Online. Web. 24 Oct. 2010. Despite the controversy surrounding genetically modified plants and foods in earlier years, technologies have advanced, and in 2006, 10.3 million farmers planted 252 million acres of transgenic crops in 22 countries. The United States, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India, China, Paraguay, and South Africa grew 97% of these crops. Soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, and alfalfa were modified to be herbicide and insect resistant, whereas other crops, like sweet potatoes for instance were modified to be able to survive harsh weather conditions. The concern for human health risks in regards to genetically modified foods is very high as well. Firstly, food allergies are very common among people in Europe and the United States, and in some cases these allergies can be fatal. The possibility that adding genes to plants could cause allergic reactions in susceptible people is there, and it is a very threatening possibility. Secondly, genetically modified foods pose an unknown overall threat to human health. Despite the lack of proof that foods made of genetically modified materials can be harmful to people, there have been studies showing that certain GM foods are in fact harmful to the digestive tract of rats. Just the fact that the effects of GM food on people are still not completely known also poses a huge threat in itself. On the other hand GM products along with disadvantages have their benefits too. A lot of people believe that genetically modified foods can help to solve the food crisis in future, and so help humanity to survive. Firstly, all of sorts of GM plants are stable against illnesses and mean weather.Also, GM food is cold tolerant. An antifreeze gene has been introduced into plants such as tobacco and potato. With this antifreeze gene, these plants are able to tolerate cold temperatures that normally would kill unmodified seedlings. Secondly, they ripen fast and keep longer than usual plants. It is easier to transport them and keep fresh for a long time. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) has become a very emotional issue. The use of biotechnology to process food and grow crops has received a lot of attention, and generates some rather volatile emotions. It is an excellent area to explore for persuasive essays. Students have the opportunity to take a look at the current issue, and develop a position with supporting arguments. The challenge for a teacher is to offer some title ideas which grab a young person’s interest. Here are a few to consider. Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) is one of the most important issues from around the world. GMOs are special organisms in which the genetic material has been altered for improvement productivity and product quality. GMOs have raised concerns over their own beneficial in that they are resistant to disease, help humans suffering from famine, produce greater yields, and improve the nutrition of foods. Having foods is very important to human life to maintain good health and to survive. It is not secret that GMO-ed foods have spread out rapidly to the whole world. If we could not stop the proliferation of GMO, we should know why it is harmful to our health and how we can prevent it. First of all, GMOs are harmful to our health. Second, transgenic crops lead to serious destruction of the environment and have contaminated organic crops. Third, major companies, which work closely with GMOs, intend to monopolize market-foods. Finally, to prevent GMO, it should be labeled and people should be recognized how dangerous GMO for us.
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