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Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are organisms whose DNA has been directly modified with the intention of changing particular traits of the organism. By altering genes which control the functions of an organism, scientists have been able to create crops with resistance to diseases and many other advantages, increasing the world’s food supply. However, the use of genetically modified (GM) crops by the food industry has spurred concern and protests from consumers concerned with food safety as well as possible monopolization of food. Though GMOs have the potential to end world hunger, many countries that could benefit from GMOs have refused them on religious and moral reasons. A few points supporting the use of GMOs:
A few points against the use of GMOs:
What are your thoughts on this issue? Are you for or against the use of GMOs by the food industry and why? |
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With out genetically modified food, only the most wealthy people will be able to afford food. Genetically modified food is vital for the current worlds population. Many people who go against it only see their own surroundings and don't have to worry about when the next meal is coming. If they were suddenly placed in a 3rd world country, they will be happy to see genetically modified food. Remember, with just unmodified food, countries will basically be unable to feed their own people. which will mean foreign aid will almost completely stop. The modification of food was done because it is needed. Before it was done, people would have a large chunk of land and it would only produce a small amount of food generally only enough to support your self and possibly a little extra to trade if you were lucky to get a good harvest. Even with advanced tools, a set section of land can only produce so much food and by today's world, we have far less farmland than we did in the past. Like it or hate it, with the current worlds population, there is no way around genetically modified food. If anything the food needs to be modified much further as the world is still having food shortages. The only problem is that there are a lack of generics so private companies have control over it and thus will use that power to control others and overall just make things worst for others. The problem with introducing GMOs into foreign/3rd world countries is that many of these countries are actually unhappy to see genetically modified foods. As of now, the United States is perhaps one of the sole countries to have fully embraced GMOs, which is why the United States has large surpluses of food. Lets see, possible options...
Purely organic growing would never meet the needs of all of these people. Rejecting GMO's is a death sentence for a large portion of the world, and I have no sympathy for a country that fails to recognize this. Starving to death by choice, simply ludicrous... Edit: You know what? I'd bet you anything that their government decided it would be cheaper, in the long run, to force these people to die of starvation. If they truly believe that these products will cause health issues later in life, then they're projecting the image that they would rather force these people to starve to death now, rather than pay for any possible medical care later. Cold, brutal...quite possibly the truth. Hmm... that is definitely not the case. Even the European Union maintains import bans on most genetically modified foods and has a strict regulation on GMO agricultural biotechnology. I fail to see how that has any bearing on what I said above. I'm talking about the 2nd half of what you said. I don't disagree with the first half. many of the countries that have most of the population starving and refuse to accept genetically modified food are mostly doing it because of stupidity. A car transforms into a goat. (just imagine what they would believe genetically modified food to do (it sounds a lot worst than it is)
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What are some of the advantages GM Foods. Disease resistance There are many viruses, fungi and bacteria that cause plant diseases. Plant biologists are working to create plants with genetically-engineered resistance to these diseases. Some disadvantages. Allergenicity many children in the US and Europe have developed life-threatening allergies to peanuts and other foods. There is a possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergic reaction in susceptible individuals. A proposal to incorporate a gene from Brazil nuts into soybeans was abandoned because of the fear of causing unexpected allergic reactions31. Extensive testing of GM foods may be required to avoid the possibility of harm to consumers with food allergies. Labeling of GM foods and food products will acquire new importance, which I shall discuss later. |
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I find GMOs don't taste as well as normal fruits and vegetables. My grandparents have a small garden, they only give the food grown to the family. At my cabin there are wild blueberries. They are alot sweeter than ones you buy in the store. They are also alot smaller. I think GMOs are alright to a certain point however. There is the risk that GMOs could wipe natural occurring fruits and vegetables off the earth to extinction. |
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India just say no to GMO's !!! Hey, if you just want BioMass for fuel or Carbon capture GMO's are great. However, if you want to eat GM food you 'might' want to reconsider. For ref. check out: http://www.scidev.net/en/news/india-rejects-gm-food-aid.html From what I've heard, India has a bad relationship with GMOs. The farmers have been forced to switch to GMOs due to competition but also have to deal with monopolistic prices. |
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The big problem with GMO crops, is that they were not designed to improve yields, or feed the world, they are an attempt by big corporations to control the food supply. GMO crops are patented. Traditionally in farming, farmers set aside a percentage of their crops to use as seed for the following year. The big seed corporations forbid that. Farmers must buy new seed every year. When non-gmo crops are planted next to gmo crops, cross pollination can occur. Big corporations like Monsanto, send agents out into the field to get samples. When they find cross-pollinated crops, they sue the farmers. The idea that we need to increase crop yields is a fallacy. This country already produces more grain and other crops than it can use. Prices are at all time historic lows. The government spends billions annually in price supports, paying farmers (or rather corporate farmers) to NOT farm. The idea that we can feedthe world is a joke. We won't feed the world, because the world can't pay for the food. And in our capitalistic society, we don't produce food for altruistic reasons, but to make money. So, aside from the factthat there have been no long term studies on the impact of gmo crops, either for consumption, or on the ecologic balance of the world, ask yourself if you really think it is good for a handful of large corporations to control the worlds food supply. |
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Rise of 'Frankenfish' triggers a food fight ~ Genetically modified salmon that grows twice as fast may be heading for your grocery store ... more.
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Post ITT if you remember when celery had strings.