The Controversy of Genetically Modified Crops Essay examples

The Controversy of Genetically Modified Crops You may know about the emerging field of biotechnology - the medicine, the ethics, the DNA, the Human Genome, etc. But few realize the emergence of its agricultural branch, and the international conflict that has arisen from it. It may apply to you more than you thought, for half of the soybean products and a quarter of the corn you ate in 1999 may have been genetically modified (Kaufman A6). Genetically modified crops (commonly referred to as GMOs) are crops whose characteristics have been altered to produce a favorable trait, whether it be prolonged freshness, a more attractive appearance, or pesticide resistance (Activist 1). Genetic alteration is the act of inserting a gene,†¦show more content†¦Department of State 1). Many countries in Asia and South America are already commercializing GM crops or are a few years away from it (AgBiotech Reporter 5). The most effective solution to this conflict would be the creation of an international research commission made up o f members from various countries from both sides. It would do in-depth GMO research and create international standards that all member countries must comply to. Both sides on this issue have strong arguments, and have reasons to argue. Supporters of bio-engineering argue that it is a new and efficient way of increasing crop production without increasing costs, time, or labor (Ibrahim 2). Plants modified to resist pesticides may be grown in fields where herbicides are sprayed to kill unnecessary weeds and pests, reducing the amount of pesticides needed in production (Marwick 2). Supporters argue that in no way do GM crops have less nutritional value, and that in fact new crops may be modified in the future to have enhanced nutritional value (Sticky Labels 3). Golden rice, modified with Vitamin A has been successfully produced and hopefully will be used in Vitamin A-deficient areas in Asia, Africa, and Latin America (Rusting 71). GMO producer DuPont has created a soybean oil with much less saturated fats than normal oil, and it is currently waiting to beShow MoreRelatedEthical Dilemmas Associated With Gmo, And My Personal Viewpoint1224 Wo rds   |  5 PagesFor thousands of years, genetically modification microorganism has affected many of the products humans eat every day. It began with the tameness of animals. As humans grew into an agricultural company, they start breeding different strains of plants looking to receive the best possible plants for sustenance for people. But as a scientific understanding of breeding and technology grew their methods of altering plants and animals changed. Instead, of breeding two similar types of creatures or plantsRead MoreGenetically Modified Crops Should Be Continued1248 Words   |  5 PagesGenetically Modified Crops has become an immensely controversial topic throughout the world. Many people do not even know what a GM crop is. Marlena Liggett states in her article â€Å"Genetically Modified Crops: Sensible Ingredients† that, â€Å"Even though there are many controversies surrounding genetically modified crops, they are beneficial to society, and their production sh ould not be abandoned† (35). Liggett focuses on the reasons why the research on genetically modified crops should be continued.Read MoreThe Controversy Of Genetically Modified Foods And Plants850 Words   |  4 PagesWhat exactly is the controversy surrounding genetically modified foods and plants? An immense amount of advocacy for and against the implementation of genetically modified method in the development of food and the agricultural development of crops and plants. The intention of this report is to definitively explore both aspects of advocacy surrounding genetically modified foods and plants or crops. As their is a significant population of individuals, organizations and groups that strongly supportRead MoreBenefits Of Genetically Modified Foods1725 Words   |  7 Pagesno matter what it is, there is controversy. There are always the pros and the cons. In recent years, genetically modified food has become more and more common. Yet, by becoming more common, they are also becoming a more debated topic. While most people think of the negative aspects of genetically modified foods, there are many advantages that people do not know about. Basically, people are afraid of what they don’t know. According to Nature.com, genetically modified organisms are organisms whereRead MoreNo Fear Of Gmos Genetically Modified Organisms1447 Words   |  6 PagesNo Fear of GMOs Genetically modified organism, to some people this can be a scary word and other people it doesn’t bother at all. When some think of genetically modified organisms, these crazy images of cross bred plants and animals with extra limbs or odd features come to mind when in reality, genetically modified organisms or GMOs are very normal organisms that are important to society. More recently there has been heated debates over GMOs and how they should be labeled for the public, but thatRead MoreGenetically Modified Organisms, Or Gmo?1668 Words   |  7 PagesGenetically modified organisms, or GMO’s, include plants and animals that have had their DNA sequence altered to impart new qualities such as drought resistance, enhanced growth rate, and pest resistance (Feeding the World). In recent years, the genetic modification of raw food products has risen as a new alternative to traditional breeding since it provides faster results, is more efficient, and is more precise in targe ting specific traits. â€Å"There are some problems that conventional methods canRead MoreThe Gm Food Controversy On Human Growth And Development1654 Words   |  7 Pages The GM Food Controversy Maria Gonzales University of Texas at San Antonio Abstract There is a lot of controversy surrounding the use of genetic modification in foods grown for human consumption. Many opponents suggest that genetically modified (GM) foods can affect human growth and development, increase allergic reactions in persons with allergy sensitivity or cause allergies to develop in healthy people. Proponents of using genetically modified organisms to alter and improveRead MoreEthics Of Genetically Modified Organisms816 Words   |  4 PagesIn the last thirty years, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been used for in the production of medicine and food and are widely used in scientific research and the production of other products (Junod, 2009). A GMO is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques, including mutation, insertion, or deletion of genes (Nelson, 2010). GMOS and GM technology have become a topic of great concern among scientists, regulators, consumers, farmers, andRead MoreSociology Paper877 Words   |  4 Pages8.25 million farmers in 17 countries were using genetically modified crops. Today, approximately two- thirds of all food offered in supermarkets has been genetically modified. However, the subject of GMO’s is one of great controversy. Although this modern invention does have some positive results on the food industry it also has brought some negative consequences along with it. The term GMOs (genetically-modified organisms) is used to refer to crop plants produced for human or animal consumptionRead MoreGenetically Modified Foods And Their Labels1447 Words   |  6 PagesGenetically Modified Foods Genetically modified foods are products that contain genetically modified organisms. There has been some controversy that customers should be aware on the nutrient labels if the product contains genetically modified ingredients. Researching this topic is very important for everyone to understand and this topic came to mind while finding a page online called Consumer Reports, which is base from, a magazine. This page explains to people why they need to know about GMO foods