Benefits Of Genetically Modified Foods

The main reason scientists are making and farmers are using GMO’s and genetically modified crops is to help alleviate world hunger. The scientific evidence providing proof on whether GMO’s are actually harmful or helpful

Biotechnology is the use of living systems and organisms to develop useful products and is a technological application that uses living organisms or systems. There is much controversy in the use of these systems because of possible health and environmental effects. One of the most widely used products of biotechnology is genetically modified (GM) crops. These are crops that have a specific combination of genetic material that is acquired through certain biotechnological processes or genetic engineering. Many crops have been subject to these genetic modifications such as: alfalfa, cotton, flax, rice, tobacco, tomatoes, and wheat. Many people are on various sides of the spectrum of being for the alteration of these crops or strongly against it.

Back then, farmers relied solely on the plot of soil they owned to produce fruits and vegetables. Farmers often had to deal with the threat of damaged crops from weather changes and insect pests. However, imagine being able to not increase productivity and protecting crops being ruined or eaten. Now, with advancements in technology and genetics, scientists can genetically modify organisms by altering its DNA in a way that does not occur naturally by mating or natural recombination to introduce desired physiological traits (EFFL 235). In 2000, 68% of all genetically modified, GM, crops were grown by U.S. farmers, with soybeans and corn making up 82% of all GM crops harvested in 2000 (Whitman 5). According to the European Food & Feed Law Review, scientists may transfer simple genes from the DNA from one organism into another, and also between non- related species, such as animals, bacteria, and virus to enhance desired traits (4). The use of genetic engineering was first introduced to aid farmers in an alternative other than using pesticides. Soon after, enhanced traits that improve nutrition were inputted into plants to increase nutritional value. Although the genetic engineering of GM food may create superweeds, GM food should be encouraged since it decreases the need for pesticides, increases food supply, and improves the nutrition of food.

I think that there are more benefits than risks in GMO foods. Some examples, are that we use less pesticides on GMO foods, new species can be created, and we also get to eat less viruses on Genetically modified papaya. There are many genetically modified crops in the world. For example, according to “Google”, it states, ”Experts said 60 to 70 percent of processed foods on U.S. grocery store shelves have genetically modified ingredients”. This means that there is an estimate that about 70% of Genetically modified foods in our grocery shelves.

Intro: Going grocery shopping some people may find some products that promise no GMOs, but what exactly are GMOs? Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are organisms that have been engineered to express desired traits. The most traditional way to modify organisms is through selective breeding. New technology now has given the ability to physically move or add to a new organism. The organisms are altered at the molecular level, usually they receive genes from organisms whose traits could not be obtained easily. Modification is done by using recombinant DNA technology and reproductive cloning. The genetic modification techniques allow new traits to be introduced without complications.(4)

In the world today, numerous Americans see terrorism as the leading threat to security, but for much of the human race, the effects of growing populations, rising temperatures, water shortages, and droughts on food availability present far more daunting challenges. Unfortunately, like nearly all problems humans face, a clear-cut answer may not exist. However, with recent scientific advances, genetically modified crops have made it possible to help feed a hungry world through GMOs. People often ask the question, should farmers practice GMO farming? It seems ludicrous to say no to technological advances that could help one billion chronically hungry people in the world. The potential advantages of genetically modified foods, such as

From 1800 to 2014, the population has grown from 1 billion to 7 billion people. With this massive explosion in population, and increased use of technology, it has placed strain on our planets’ limited food resources, resulting in increased mortality rates due to hunger and starvation. GMO’s, also known as genetically modified organisms, are plants or animals that have had their genes directly manipulated by humans, that claim to help solve this problem, along with providing additional benefits to society. Genetically modified plants promise to have increased crop yield, resistance to disease and pests, and maximized nutritional value, to help reduce food production issues around the world. However, Harvard University has determined that

The first GM crop that reached the market was Bt cotton, with this crop; farmers can spray less pesticide and improve the health of consumers. The planting of GM cotton had been very effective to farmers, “Transgenic cotton reduced pesticide use by more than two million pounds in the United States from 1996 to 2000, and it has reduced pesticide sprayings in parts of China by more than half” (Rauch). Genetically Modified crops have been successful in the United States and China because these two countries are the major producers in the agricultural world. To further prove this point, the use of pesticide had reduced by more than 14 million pounds on 23 million acres of U.S. land; ever since the use of GMO which was proven to be statistically significant (Rauch). However the various consequences that follow the benefits of Genetically Modified foods such as the threat to human health outweigh its benefits.

Did you know 80% of all our foods are genetically modified? Scientists have proved the safety of all Genetically modified organisms, although China, Russia, and 60 other countries require labeling of there gentically modified ingredients, yet the United States does not label the products which are genetically modified. If Genetically modified organisms are so safe, then what 's there to hide? Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are processed foods in which genes of one species are extracted and forced into another improving the size capacity and product quality. Genetically modified organisms are not a sustainable solution to global hunger because it causes health problems, destroys communities, and is no solution

In today’s world, most people are familiar with the word “Genetically modified organisms (or GMOs)”. It is a common technology in our daily life. On the one hand, the GMOs brings many benefits to our society. But on the other hand, it also has potential and unknown risks. Whether or not genetically modified organisms should be applied in our world has always been controversial.

The alteration of plant and animal genetic codes for the ultimate purpose of increasing food abundance is an increasingly popular, yet controversial practice in the 21st century. Genetic engineering of food is done for a number of reasons, the biggest of which is increasing food supplies in the world, especially for the third world countries. However, there are arguments and even activist movements against genetic engineering of food, which begs the question “why is genetically engineered food so controversial?” The pro and con arguments of the genetic engineering of food cannot be overlooked. Although it is a controversial practice, genetically engineered food is more useful than harmful to people and the planet.

Genetically modified (GM) crops are generaly food crops that have genetically engineered changes to their DNA, to create favorable traits in the plant that would not normally be possible through conventional horticulture. The main traits that have been genetically engineered into plants are herbicide tolerant (HT), insect resistant (IR), pH resistant, and drought resistance. The large majority of studies have been conducted on herbicide tolerant and insect resistant GM foods, due to the fact that 99% of the worlds GM crops today are HT or IR crop technology (Qaim et al. 900). These GM traits can be beneficial to farmers in developing countries and have been thought to have a major

Genetically modified crops also known as GMCs, GM crops or biotech crops, are plants, which DNA has been modified using genetic engineering techniques. In most cases the goal is to introduce a new trait to the plant, which does not occur naturally in the species, for examples in crops and food. Since 1960, there are many introducing genetic engineering in crops production as it can bring a lot of benefits e.g. increasing food production, it is also environmental friendly and it gives high quality production. However, there are also many negative issues related to in genetic engineering such as it can harm the environment, and can be detrimental to human health.

(5) The possibility of introducing genetically modified foods to these developing nations will increase farm yields and help feed growing population demands, while at the same making the price of food cheaper. For example, Monsanto’s GMO sweet potato would require less herbicides to grow while increasing yields up to 25%. (6) With five countries (the United States, Canada, China, Brazil, and Argentina) making up 96% of the world’s genetically modified crops (3), there exists an opportunity for future growth in developing countries, which is where this technology is needed the most.

GMOs are organisms that have been genetically altered to possess uncharacteristic traits and benefits. Genetically modified (GM) foods are powerful tools for the future of agriculture and human health; however, if not regulated carefully, they could be detrimental to the environment and society. Currently, GM foods comprise roughly 80% of the consumer market, with only 20% remaining for organics and all-natural products. Soy, canola, and corn are amongst the most popular and widespread of GMO food products in the world (NON-GMO Project 2015). A careful look into GMO agricultural practices and their effect on the environment, GM foods and their impact on human health, and legal factors surrounding the production of GM foods will lead us to understanding the implications of such technology and how it can be used to better the world we live in.