Agricultural Ethics - Research Paper Example

Agricultural Ethics Introduction Ethics is concerned about choices and agricultural ethics refers to the choices for those people engaged in agriculture who can either be directly as farmers or indirectly as government regulators, researchers, extension agents, industrial workers, CEOs, lawmakers, consumers and technology developers. Most participants in agriculture are not willing to accept criticism since most think that they are doing the right thing (Chrispels M & Mandoni D, 2). This paper is about the ethical part of the genetically modified plants. A case study has been taken in India, Mexico and Brazil. This has been related to ethical theories in order to inform our thinking as well as support the decision making. Consequentialism This theory holds to the view that moral response that is correct is related to the consequence or outcome of that act. The main aim is the maximization of the good for the number that is greatest. This theory tends not to be appreciated in India. This is evident in the manner in which the farmers are complaining of economic difficulties in the country. Montasa controls the market in India by selling their products four times higher. Indian farmers are turning into money lenders who are lending money at high interests. There is bankruptcy when the market is poor. A 25 year old took pesticide because of economic difficulties and died due to suicide. A record by the farmer shows the tally of the suicide cases which is 600 suicides from June 2005 to June 2006. This they term to be a disaster. According to Tarak Kate, an agronomist, the Montasa are making the farmers completely dependent on their market, the reason of the high cost of the seed and spraying. He says that GMO is not helpful to small farmers, as the company claims in its advertisement. A sample from the farmers in the market confirms that they would not be growing the BT cotton the coming year. The BT cotton is selling at a low cost according to “Seeds of suicide” by vandana shiva a Nobel peace winner for conserving traditional seed. She was against the original green revolution which introduced industrial agriculture in India in 1960s. She says that the first green revolution was initiated by the government but the second one by the monsatos. She also puts it clear that the first green revolution had a hidden objective of selling more chemicals though the main objective was to provide food security. However, the difference in the new green revolution is that there is no objective on the food security, as the main aim is more returns to the monsatos. The monsatos are targeting more than twenty seeds. She also says that the moment the control of seeds is taken by the company it will have full control of the Indian population. According to her, the control of the seeds is more powerful than that of bombs. Most seeds have a transgenic contamination from the USA. Virtue Ethics This is about an individual who is of a good character and does things that are right. The character traits that are embedded are the virtues that are societal. These include honesty, trustworthiness, kindness and truth telling. The Mexican government and the scientists in the country are seen to display virtues and hence their actions are viewed as ethical. Robert Shapiro, PDG of Monsato for 1993-2000, goes on to state that “adventitious presence is part of the natural order.” According to Dr. Ignacia Chapela, GMO have already infected Mexican corn. Mexico has tried to ban genetically modified crops, but due to free trade agreement amongst Canada and USA Mexico cannot stop massive importation of the genetically modified crops. It is highly subsidized with the American market. Farmers from Mexico prefer taking traditional blue corn to the GMO, the one they claim to be nourishing because of its natural origin and also because it comes from a pure soil. Transgenic conquest, according to a resident farmer, will make the traditional corn disappear and the farmers will be dependent on the multinational corn, which is expensive to maintain due to the demand for fertilizer and insecticides which are a requirement for the corn to grow. He states that the natural corn does not require either of this and is yet so beautiful. Elena Avarez studied the growth of the two plants and observed that they had the same genomes and chromosomes, but there was a main difference. It is the location of transgene at different places, and when they grow they get different types of flower patterns (Bhumiratana & Kongswat, 2008). Deontology This theory is based on the rights and duties and also respects individuals as. It mainly focuses on the obligations, rules and duties and places value on the individual intentions. Acting from duty in deontology is viewed as acting in an ethical manner. Individuals have volunteered to educate the masses on the implications of the use of genetically modified plants. The monsatos are also trying to prove their ethical stand in the supply of these plants (They are killing you, 2008). According to Dyer et al, there have been meetings to educate and enlighten the masses about the diseases brought about by transgenic infections. There have been on-screen presentations to clearly demonstrate the difference in the species by Aldo Gonzales, the president of an organization for the indigenous population. He explains contamination spreads from one plant to another and asserts that it only benefits companies like Monsatos. Dr. Ignatius had written articles on GMO and sent email to scientists which stated that “the activists will certainly run wild with news that Mexican corn has been “contaminated” by genes from GM corn (They are killing you, 2008). Another email from Andura Smatacek stated “activists first, scientist second.” According to Jonathan Mathews Matthes, the president of GM Watch, the monsatos are determined to push their products around the world and get rid of anyone who stands their way. The monsatos defend their stand by stating that practical experience clearly demonstrates that the coexistence of biotech, conventional and organic systems is not only possible but is peacefully occurring around the world. The song sung in the background shows a population desperate for a world that preserves nature, air and wind, where we could live without chemicals that would be transgenic. A monsato initiative funded by Brazilian dietetic association is known as a green desert in Brazil. It eliminates the families of small farmers, destroys the biodiversity and brings death, poverty, illness and destruction of natural resources that help us live. The deadly herbicides sprayed to the GMO plants are poisonous to human body. 70% of GMO soy beans used to feed pigs and cows. The farmers claim that the monsato is depriving them of their independence to feed themselves without international reliance (They are killing you, 2009). Conclusion In summary, the outcome clearly shows that the introduction of transgenetic products is unethical in agriculture. It is proving uneconomical to farmers and posing health scares to the farmers. However, regardless of the fact that the monsatos are treating the farmers unfairly, they also have a series of conscience and ethical principles as well. It is therefore recommended that scientific data be combined with the regulatory oversight and used on a basis of a case-by-case. Particular attention should be paid to the transparency of the decision making that will lead to the proper and sensible use of GMOs for all the stakeholders. Thus, the benefits of new technology and the risks involved should be enjoyed by all (Bhumiratana & Kongswat, 2008). However, governments, farmers and scholars are seen to demonstrate ethical traits in order to defend the interests and the future of agriculture. References Bhumiratana S. & Kongswat C. (2008). “Food Production and the Ethical Use of Genetically Modified Organisms.” Asian Journal of Food and Agro-Industry. Retrieved from Chapela I. (2001,september,27) Transgenic Com Found growing in Mexico. Retrieved from www.mindfully.org/GE/GE3/com-found-mexico.htm Dyer G. et al (2009). “Maize seeds Network in Mexico.” Escape and dispersal of Transgens. Davis, USA. Retrieved from www.organiconsumers.org/monsato/ignacio121604.cfm They are killing you. (Dec 26, 2008). Must-see documentary about GMO: Part 08 of 10. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVryne4vFQk&NR=1 They are killing you. (Dec 6, 2009). Must-see documentary about GMO: Part 09 of 10 .Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m7hZGDWIwU&NR=1 They are killing you (Dec 27,2008). Must-see documentary about GMO: Part 10 of 10. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEW3XyDGC4M&NR=1 Read More