Path to Global Food Security - Research Paper Example

Analyzing market trends of GMOs is important in examining their acceptance in the world. Of striking interest in this debate is the position adopted by two large markets in the world. While European markets have rejected GMOs, American markets have accepted them. Such is the rift on this debate.Other countries have conformed to the European approach or the American approach depending on their relationship with the two. Most countries in Africa for example, especially those depending on exports to European markets, or those having colonial ties, have adopted Europe’s cautionary approach.

Egypt, South Africa, and Burkina Faso are the only countries to have adopted GMO farming in Africa as of 2009. Philippines (once an American colony), was the only country that readily adopted GMO farming in Asia. This shows how the relationship of a country to Europe or America has affected their stand on GMOs. As will be evidenced later, market trends will depend on further revelations from studies on GMOs (nelson, 2001).Of great interest on the GMO debate are health repercussions, environmental effects, and economical effects.

In a study carried out in Britain in 1998, rats fed on GMO potatoes were adversely affected health wise. This generated debate by the media. Later on, the royal society gave a statement claiming experimental design flaws in that research. However, consumer anxiety had already been aroused. As regards the environment, experiments have revealed that GMOs can cause genetic pollution.