Agricultural Practices in the United Kingdom - Essay Example

An Examination of the Potential Side Effects of Modern Agriculture on Human Health in the UK and the Role of the Government in Solving This Problem Student’s Name Instructor’s Name Course Code and Name University Date of Submission An Examination of the Potential Side Effects of Modern Agriculture on Human Health in the UK and the Role of the Government in Solving This Problem Introduction Agriculture is defined as the cultivation of plants, fungi, animals and various forms of food, drugs, biofuel, as well as other products used in sustaining and enhancement of human life. Cultivation has, over the years, been changing as a result of advancements in technology generally in modern agriculture. Modern agronomy, Agrochemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, plant breeding and technology have greatly increased yields from cultivation, unfortunately this has caused a widespread ecological damage, as well as negative human health effects. In the United Kingdom, modern agriculture has been found to have various side effects on humankind, and therefore, the government has laid numerous procedures in order to curb or reduce some of these effects. Genetically modified organisms are found to be the most increasing component of agriculture in modern agricultural practices, in many countries though banned in several others. Use of antibiotics, which is common in western countries, such as the United Kingdom, has dangerous effects on human health. Pesticides have been widely used in agriculture, and have been found to increase the incidences of pesticide residues, thus creating the cocktail effect of generally multiple residues on health of humankind (Pretty et al. 2001, p. 266). These are some of the most alarming issues facing agriculture in the United States, as well as in other countries across the globe, thus giving the government a responsibility to provide solid solutions for such negative effects in the agricultural industry. The use of pesticides Pesticides comprise of a wide range of chemicals that are designed to harm or kill pests. Typically, they are subdivided into various categories that include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and rodenticides, among others. Therefore, pesticides are generally designed to kill or harm different kinds of pests that would harm plants or animals as used in agricultural practices. Since pesticides are widely used in most agricultural products, they continue to pose as health hazards, as most of them cause major side effects to humans. Additionally, pesticides are commonly found in every place, from public places, such as schools, grocery store, hospitals, office buildings, golf courses, banks, neighbor’s yard and parks, highways, in foods, and often in homes (Pretty et al. 2001, p. 266). Due to this reason, secondary contact of human is majorly high, therefore posing a great susceptibility to its side effects. In the United Kingdom, there are about 450 types of pesticides that are licensed for use. Of the 450 types of pesticides in this country, an approximate of 25,000 tons were applied in the United Kingdom as of the year 2000. Pesticides are commonly designed as nerve gasses for chemical warfare. Therefore, they are generally designed to kill living things; thus, they work well in killing weeds and insects. It is essential to understand that chief target of pesticides is the brain, since most pesticides are designed such that they only seek out lipids and the brain, thus directly inhibiting enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This is the enzyme that controls the human metabolism of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Morris et al. 2004, p. 11). Pesticides while consumed in minute portions by human beings, will eventually affect vital human organs such as kidneys, liver, heart and the brain, among others, ultimately causing major health complications sometimes leading to even death. People mostly consume pesticides without prior knowledge because entirely most of the food products contain some traces of pesticides. The foods that people eat are coated with pesticides, since most of the foods in the markets are, generally, coated with harmful chemicals that widely used as preservatives. Humankind faces major risks for cancer related complications. The UK government advises eating more vegetables and fruits in order to lower individual’s risk of cancer and heart diseases; however, there are no dietary habits, including consumption of organically grown foods, can guarantee a good health (Morris et al. 2004, p. 11). Pesticides act as one of the factors that contribute to poor health as most of these chemicals are consumed from fruits and vegetables as people engage more in fruits and vegetables. Genetically modified Crops Genetic modification involves incorporation of modern biotechnology techniques to change an organism’s genes, like a plant or an animal. Also referred as genetic engineering, this technology aims at tailoring either plants or animals for certain application. For instance, a new crop variety may be bred in such a way that it is more tolerant or resistance to drought or certain diseases. This process of genetic breeding involves finding individuals that unique and favorable trait, and then cross breeding them with the aim that the progeny of the resulting cross will have quite favorable traits from both parents. Genetic modification is typically a way of harnessing genetic resources in a plant or animal through breeding out unwanted genes, as well as breeding in desirable genes (Craig et al. 2008, p. 870). Genetic modification is widely used as it can easily involve change of genes of either plant or animal organism in various ways that are not possible through techniques used in traditional breeding, thus providing opportunities for new animal breeds and plant varieties. Genetic modification has, for years, been increasingly used in agricultural production in different parts of the universe. Genetic engineering has been hailed by many as an indispensable tool for providing a solution to the global food problems. Although the use of genetic modification is seen by many as a better tool for adequate production of food and provide food security, there are over reaching fraught with unknown and potentially catastrophic dangers. Agricultural plants are found to be one of the most cited examples of the processes of genetic modified organisms, GMOs. Use of GMO has been highly effective in food production as since its incorporation, there have been increased yields in crops, reduced food cost, as well as the production of drugs. There are major advancements in GMO, and thus there is reduced need for use of pesticides as more resistant plants are being developed. Animals have also been used multiple times in genetic modification organisms’ procedures producing unique breeds that are resistant to drought and hostile weather conditions, among others (Arvanitoyannis & Dona 2009, p.170). Basically, crop plants, soil bacteria and farm animals, are some of the best examples of organisms that have for years been a subject to genetic modification. Despite the fact that the genes used in genetic modification are naturally occurring in different species, there are consequences associated with altering the natural state of an organism through organism foreign gene expression. Most of the foods that are genetically produced are found to cause undesirable side effects. Consumption of agricultural products processed through GMO pose a great health risk to human kind (Craig et al. 2008, p. 870). It is essential to understand that potential health risks to human beings include the possibility of exposure to new allergens in GMOs, and in transfer of antibiotic resistance to gut flora. The Use of Antibiotics Antibiotics are widely used in food animals as a form of growth promoters and to prevent, as well as treat infections. Antibiotics are also used in spraying fruit trees for preventing and treating infections. Traces of antibiotics that might remain after spraying might likely encourage am emergence of resistant strains of the bacteria. It is essential to understand that the antibodies are passed to human beings from the animals, mostly during the spraying of the plants or of the animals. This is because; during the spraying exercise, the wind can most likely spread low concentrations of this antibiotic further afield, therefore increasing chances of development of risk of resistant bacteria (Smith et al. 2005, p. 5). However, it is important to understand that, it is possible for the antibiotic resistant bacteria to penetrate into the food chain, and finally reach humans. Antibiotics used in agriculture leads to the emergence of highly resistant strains of ESBL E Coli, and also the spread of the livestock associated MRSA. Studies show that there is growing evidence of the transfer of the resistant bacteria that are transferred to humans. As at 1997, W.H.O’s report on the medical impact of antimicrobial use in food animals explained numerous cases where the transfer of the resistant strain of animals to human had occurred in different scenarios. This happens when there is a direct contact with the animals, especially through consumption of meat, drinking of contaminated water or through transfer of genes between the animals and human bacteria. Other researches contacted during the year 1998, explained that the resistant animal bacterial strain did transfer to human beings, and eventually caused diseases. It is important to note that, antibiotic resistant genes are also found to spread from animal bacteria to human pathogens. Typically, it is the gut bacteria or the tummy bugs, and not the killer bacteria, such as pneumonia that will transfer the antibiotics this way (Barrella 2011, p. 26). Nevertheless, Ecoli and Salmonella, which are found to be commonly transmitted through direct contact with animals or with food, are in some circumstances highly dangerous. Generally, antibodies affect human health through the development of salmonella, Enterococci, Campylobacter and E Coli. These are commonly caused by increased development of superbugs in human beings that is spread through the food chain. Apparently, exposure to antimicrobial highly alters the microbial system of human beings, the environment and animals, which may easily lead to the development of a strain of antimicrobial resistance. It is the increase in the antimicrobial resistance that limits the treatment options, increases the cost of health care, severity, as well as the duration of infections in humans. In the United Kingdom, the majority of food animals is highly exposed to antimicrobials in feed, by injection or through water. The fecal waste from the food animals that are treated with antimicrobials, which are often composted and spread as fertilizer products, is implicated in contaminating the environment with resistant bacteria (Smith et al. 2005, p. 5). This directly acts as a threat to the human health care as the bacterial disposal of such microbial easily transfers to human beings, thus affecting their health. The Role of the Government United Kingdom government through DEFRA has been instrumental in addressing issues regarding farming, food and the environment. The government used the department of environment, food and rural affairs, DEFRA to respond to issues that affect farmers and the various implications that are brought about by various agricultural products. The United Kingdom government offers great support to farmers, especially in rural areas, engage in more modern and safer agricultural practices through this department. Farm businesses have successfully been enhanced in rural sections of the country, mainly from the government’s commitment in assisting the farmers with the necessary information and support for practicing better and safer agricultural procedures (Pretty 2008, p. 23). DEFRA reports indicate that, farm businesses in the United Kingdom have primarily been aided by the government policies in providing adequate and timely agricultural information, required for effective and safe ways of production. The government United Kingdom has been highly involved in ensuring that agricultural practices are controlled across the country. This has been possible through the government’s commitment in implementing its various policies in regard to agriculture. The government policies are greatly involved in controlling animal diseases across the country, which majorly focuses on protecting animal health and prevention of diseases. Controlling animal diseases is a major commitment of the government in the United Kingdom, and thus it is legal requirement for the farmers to notify the AHVLA, Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratory Agency in case of suspected animal diseases. This is primarily meant to curb any emergence of animal diseases at first hand. Such milestones have been made possible through the government policies of protecting animals’ health and preventing disease in the United Kingdom. Government policies require pig farmers in the UK to meet all relevant animal welfare requirements, along with specific additional standards that apply to pigs (Pretty 2008, p. 23). The requirements in keeping pigs refer to various recommendations given by DEFRA, to ensuring the welfare of pigs in regard to the control and prevention of animal diseases. The United Kingdom government is highly engaged in developments of intervention plans of reduced infections caused by bacteria. New projects have been put up to investigate public health risks of E Coli in an effort to trim down the bacterial infections across the country. The department of health has since established most significant reservoirs of some resistant strains of antibiotic resistance called ESBL-positive E Coli, which is responsible for human illness in the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the government requires that any new varieties of agricultural and vegetables must add to the UK’s national lists of agricultural and vegetable crops. This list is usually maintained by PVS, Plants Variety and Seeds Office, which is also an executive agency of DEFRA (Pretty 2008, p. 23). Finally, government policy on the approval of pesticides in the United Kingdom requires that only plants protection products that are authorized by ministers can be sold, used, stored or advertised. Conclusion In conclusion, agricultural practices in the United Kingdom are highly controlled by the government policies that are meant to prevent and control any effects to humans. Animal husbandry is practiced under strict laws that stipulate the prevention and control procedures across the entire country. Agricultural practices on plants are also practiced on similar laws that ensure preventive measures and control of any diseases that may emerge. Pesticides have been found to have an indirect cause of the majority of health complications to human. United Kingdom government has strict rules on the use of pesticides for agricultural practices. This is usually through laws that control individuals in using, purchasing, supplying, storing and advertising across the entire country. Usually, there are departments that are held responsible for approval of pesticide, that include DEFRA, department of health, the Scottish government, Welsh government and department of Agriculture and rural development of Northern Ireland, DARDNI. Bibliography Aktar Wasim, Sengupta Dwaipayan, Chowdhury Ashim 2009, “Impact of Pesticides use in agriculture; their benefits and hazards”, Interdisc Toxical, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 1-12. Viewed from http://www.intertox.sav.sk/ITX_pdf/02_01_2009/10102-Volume2_Issue_1-01_paper.pdf Arvanitoyannis Ioannis & Dona Artemis 2009, “Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods”, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, Vol. 49, No. 5, pp. 164-175. Viewed from http://www.unionccs.net/images/library/file/Agricultura_y_alimentacion/Health_Risks_GMOs.pdf Barrella Nigel 2011, An Impossible balance; Antibiotic Resistance, profits, and Public Health. Viewed from http://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/8846728/Barrella_Impossible_Balance%5B1%5D.pdf?sequence=1 Craig Wendy, Tepfer Mark, Degrassi Giuliano 2008, “An overview of general features of risk assessments of genetically modified crops,” Euphytica, Vol. 164, No. 7, pp. 853-880. Viewed from http://www.ogm.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/133005881_cle8f2cae.pdf Kariyawasam kanchana 2010, “Legal liability intellectual property and genetically modified crops: their impact on world agriculture”, Pacific Rim & Policy Journal, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 460-484. Viewed from http://digital.law.washington.edu/dspace-law/bitstream/handle/1773.1/511/19PacRimL&PolyJ459(2010).pdf?sequence=3 Morris Anthony, Wilson Jeremy, Whittingham Mark, 2004, Indirect effects of pesticides on breeding yellowhammer”, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, Vol. 106, No. 13, pp. 1-16. Viewed from http://www.ncl.ac.uk/biology/assets/MWhitt_pdf/05MorrisAEE.pdf Pretty Jules 2008, “Agroecological Approaches to Agricultural Development: Background paper for the world development report. Viewed from https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/9044/WDR2008_0031.pdf?sequence=1 Pretty Jules, Brett Craig, Gee David, Hine Rachael, Mason Chris, Rayment Matthew & Dobbs Thomas 2001, “Policy Challenges and Priorities for Internalizing the Externalities of Mordern Agriculture,” Journal of environmental planning and management, Vol. 44, No. 2, pp. 264-280. v http://are.berkeley.edu/courses/ARE242/spring05/classReadings/newValuation/PrettyEtAl_01.pdf Smith David, Dushoff Jonathan, Morris Glenn 2005, “Agricultural Antibiotics and Human Health”, PLoS Med., Vol. 2, No. 8, pp. e232. Viewed from http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020232 Twining SE, Wynn SC, Clarke JH 2011, “Impact of changing pesticide availability”, Aspects of applied biology, Vol. 3, No. 7, pp. 263-266. Viewed from http://www.bcpc.org/_assets/files/42_CLARKE.pdf Read More

Basically, crop plants, soil bacteria and farm animals, are some of the best examples of organisms that have for years been a subject to genetic modification. Despite the fact that the genes used in genetic modification are naturally occurring in different species, there are consequences associated with altering the natural state of an organism through organism foreign gene expression. Most of the foods that are genetically produced are found to cause undesirable side effects. Consumption of agricultural products processed through GMO pose a great health risk to human kind (Craig et al. 2008, p. 870).

It is essential to understand that potential health risks to human beings include the possibility of exposure to new allergens in GMOs, and in transfer of antibiotic resistance to gut flora. The Use of Antibiotics Antibiotics are widely used in food animals as a form of growth promoters and to prevent, as well as treat infections. Antibiotics are also used in spraying fruit trees for preventing and treating infections. Traces of antibiotics that might remain after spraying might likely encourage am emergence of resistant strains of the bacteria.

It is essential to understand that the antibodies are passed to human beings from the animals, mostly during the spraying of the plants or of the animals. This is because; during the spraying exercise, the wind can most likely spread low concentrations of this antibiotic further afield, therefore increasing chances of development of risk of resistant bacteria (Smith et al. 2005, p. 5). However, it is important to understand that, it is possible for the antibiotic resistant bacteria to penetrate into the food chain, and finally reach humans.

Antibiotics used in agriculture leads to the emergence of highly resistant strains of ESBL E Coli, and also the spread of the livestock associated MRSA. Studies show that there is growing evidence of the transfer of the resistant bacteria that are transferred to humans. As at 1997, W.H.O’s report on the medical impact of antimicrobial use in food animals explained numerous cases where the transfer of the resistant strain of animals to human had occurred in different scenarios. This happens when there is a direct contact with the animals, especially through consumption of meat, drinking of contaminated water or through transfer of genes between the animals and human bacteria.

Other researches contacted during the year 1998, explained that the resistant animal bacterial strain did transfer to human beings, and eventually caused diseases. It is important to note that, antibiotic resistant genes are also found to spread from animal bacteria to human pathogens. Typically, it is the gut bacteria or the tummy bugs, and not the killer bacteria, such as pneumonia that will transfer the antibiotics this way (Barrella 2011, p. 26). Nevertheless, Ecoli and Salmonella, which are found to be commonly transmitted through direct contact with animals or with food, are in some circumstances highly dangerous.

Generally, antibodies affect human health through the development of salmonella, Enterococci, Campylobacter and E Coli. These are commonly caused by increased development of superbugs in human beings that is spread through the food chain. Apparently, exposure to antimicrobial highly alters the microbial system of human beings, the environment and animals, which may easily lead to the development of a strain of antimicrobial resistance. It is the increase in the antimicrobial resistance that limits the treatment options, increases the cost of health care, severity, as well as the duration of infections in humans.

In the United Kingdom, the majority of food animals is highly exposed to antimicrobials in feed, by injection or through water. The fecal waste from the food animals that are treated with antimicrobials, which are often composted and spread as fertilizer products, is implicated in contaminating the environment with resistant bacteria (Smith et al. 2005, p. 5).

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