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

Seed Manufacturers

Farmers◦ European ◦ Rest of world

Consumers

No GM crops

GM approved crops

“de facto moratorium”

GM approved crops

Population growth

Demand for oil

Demand for food

Solution

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 acceptance

Government support

Production capabilities

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