GENETIC MODIFICATION

Agriculture where is it going?By: Sean Ross

“Genetically Modified”

‘Recombinant DNA Technology’ is when we combine genes from different organisms, in which the resulting organism is considered to be genetically modified.

Genetically Modified (GM) can also be referred to as Genetically Engineered (GE), or Transgenic.

Is it

Right?

PROS CONS

Increased nutritional value, higher yields, & stress tolerance for crops.

Longer shelf time. Greater resistance for

diseases, pests, and herbicides.

Higher profit for farmers. Reduced chemical usage. Increased food security in

rural countries.

Potential human health risks.

Possible severe allergic reactions.

No mandatory labeling in the U.S.A.

Tampering with Nature. Fewer crop diversity. Possible uncontrolled

growth. Unknown effects on other

organisms.

Health Risks

There are many health risks associated with genetically modified crops, some known risks are: The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between

organisms, may render drugs useless. May increase what some say is the link between

behavioral disorders in children to the foods they have eaten.

Could cause a boost of asthmatic children born in the US.

Unknown long term effects of insect repellant plants on human life.

Effects of Genetically Modified

Food

In Other Countries

In many other countries the people are fighting against genetically modified foods. As in china where there are many protests on

the mater of the effects of transgenic crops And in Europe were the public is fighting for

“GM free zones”

CountriesThe USA grew 53% of 252 million acres, of genetically modified crops in the year 2006. These numbers have been increasing in the past four years, with an exponential rate in third world countries.

53%

17%

11%

6%

4%

3%

2%1%

3%

Percentage of crops grown in 2006

U.S.A. ArgintinaBrasil CanadaIndia ChinaParaguay South AfricaOther

Who reaps the Benefits?

The Federal Drug Administration and Biotech Industry require no testing on new Genetically Modified organisms, claiming they are just like other foods.

Through cross pollination some companies claim to own the rights to others crops.

Few large companies will dominate the industry.

Adding nutrients to food.

On the Market

The largest transgenic seeds on the market now is Round Up ready corn and canola. These are plants that do not die when

sprayed with Round Up. They are also pest repellent.

Flavor Saver tomatoes were pulled off the market in the late 90’s but it is unknown if they are for sale again. The flavor savers were meant to taste

better and last longer but ended up tasting strange, and people did not like them.

What’s Your OpinionA POLL ON WHICH TYPE PEOPLE WOULD RATHER BUY

5%

59%

35%

Genitically Modified

More likely to buyLess likely to buyNo dif-ference

53%

10%

37%

Organically Grown

More likely to buyLess likely to buyNo def-ferance

Work Cited

“What are Genetically Modified (GM) Foods?” Geneomics.energy.gov. Human Genome Project Information, 5 Nov. 2008. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.

Herbert, Martha. “Genetically Altered Foods: We Are Being Exposed to One of the Largest Uncontrolled Experiments in History” Chicago Tribune 3 Sept. 2010, Print.

“One delegate’s view of the European conference on GM-free regions.” CropGen.org. Crop Gen, 29 Sept. 2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.

Klinkenborg, Verlyn. “Why I Still Oppose Genetically Modified Crops.” e360.yale.edu. Yale environment 360, 17 Sept. 2009. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.

Jio, Li. “In China, No Meeting of the Minds on GM Crops.” News.ScienceMag.org/ Science Insider, 15 Oct. 2010. Web. 13 Nov. 2010.

“Effects of Genetically Modified Food” YouTube.com. 16 Dec. 2009. Web. 16 Nov. 2010, <www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjRX0NwuS04>

“Genetically Modified Foods” YouTube.com. 12 Feb. 2009. Web. 16 Nov. 2010, < www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTfuAbzAeB8>

Langer, Gary. “Behind the Label” ABCNews.Go.com 19 June 2010. Web. 18 Nov. 2010.