Post on 17-Dec-2015
transcript
Defining GMO’s◦ GMO crops are naturally occurring crops that
have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering.
◦ The DNA of another organism’s molecule is injected in vitro into the host plants using recombinant DNA technology.
◦ The resulting gene is then able to be expressed in future plants.
Used extensively in agricultural production but also in other kingdoms
Have rapidly been included in agriculture for more than a decade◦ Most common crops:
Corn Soybeans Cotton Rapeseed
The U.S. in 2004 produced 50% of corn, 85% soybeans, and 75% of all cotton from GM seed varieties◦ Argentina, Brazil, and China also big producers
Increased yield capabilities Increased drought resistance Increased pest resistance Increased nutritional value Improved flavors Increased shelf life Remove allergens …even to create a variety of onions that will
not induce tears!
Research is limited on long term safety
Concern that they may hurt small farmers
Hurt less developed countries
Fear that GM foods could be toxic or carcinogenic
“Frankenfood” concern
Exchange of capital, goods, and services across international territories or boundaries
Importance has risen in the last century
Life without international trade
Standard of living
Strong opposition from the beginning
Food safety concerns
Cultural concerns
New laws constricting GM crops and food
World Trade Organization
Objection to moratorium
Formal complaint by U.S., Canada, & Argentina
2006 ruling
Genetic engineering idea has been around forever
Discovery of DNA and recombinant DNA have fueled ability to splice genes from one organism to another
Biotech companies are able to patent their intellectual property
1992 first crop approved for commercial production
1996 first crop grown for commercial production and GM crops were found to be “not inherently dangerous” by the USDA
E.U. approved the use of GM crops in 1994
Consumers drove policy makers to pass legislation for more stringent labeling and safety regulations in 1997◦ Novel Food Regulations
Other E.U. member states have passed their own stricter laws against the use of GM crops and food
Current legislation has become more accepting of GM Crops & Food◦ Hope that this trend will continue through
increased research, increased input costs, and growing population
Patents for biotech companies◦ Speculation that may allow some patents to run
out or not be renewed for fear of monopoly◦ Biotech companies developing technology
protection systems Terminator System
Expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050 Current output capabilities would leave
many starved Few options for increasing yields beyond
GM crops◦ Deforestation
Some of the least developed places will have the greatest need◦ Modern agriculture practices could potentially
provide a stable standard of living
Most research done has yielded favorable results for GM crops & food
More research done on GM Crops becoming ‘superweeds’◦ Breeding with native plants and polluting genetics
of indigenous plants◦ GM corn in U.S. has spread to Mexico
Pollen can travel tens of kilometers Even with unfavorable research on GM and
the environment, human needs will prevail over the environment’s
GM Crops and Food relatively new to the scene
Will see more use with further research, increased world population, and policy
WTO has ruled in favor of U.S. in trade dispute with E.U.
Human needs will prevail over environmental as proven throughout history