Genetically Modified Cereals into Australian and Global Environment - Assignment Example

Running Head: GENETICALLY MODIFIED CEREALS Introduction of Genetically Modified Cereals into Australian and Global Environment Name: Grade Course: Tutor’s Name: 26th, September, 2009 Introduction Environmental safety, human safety, food security and several other factors have led to the development of new technologies to help solve food security problems. The new technologies developed however have led to other problems. Introduction of genetically modified food including cereals is one of such developments. The use of biotechnology to produce food according to the supporters of the use of GM foods, lead to increased food security, to reduced use of pesticides hence environmental safety and is safe for human consumption. Non supporters of GM however, have a list of problems that have arisen due to the use of GMs and those that will arise later. The debate on whether to use GMs cereals or not is still going on even though some countries have implemented the use of GM crops. The use of GM cereals also depends on the consumers. According to Green Peace Australia Pacific, most consumers reject the GM foods making international and large foods shops reject their involvement with GM foods (2008). Consumers’ attitudes, the advantages and the disadvantages of GM cereals and foods, political influence and several other factors make different governments have different policies on GM cereals making different countries accept or reject GM cereals. This paper aims to discus the case for and against GM cereals considering their introduction into the Australian and global environment. Genetically Modified Foods (Cereals) Genetically modified cereals are those made using latest molecular biology techniques. The cereals are modified to suit human and animal consumption as well as prevent destruction from pests. In some cereals, the genetic modification considers cost effectiveness and nutritional contents. Modification of cereals to have desired traits have been made possible by genetic engineering which allows transfer of genes from one plant to the other or even from an organism to a plant depending on the trait desired to be in the cereal. If for example a drought resistant cereal crop is required, a specific gene responsible for drought resistance can be taken from a drought resistant plant and inserted into a different plant. This kind of gene transfer has been done by use of a bacteria species’ genes. Bacillus thuringiensis genes have been used in corns to make them resistant to some pests. The genes are responsible for the development of crystal proteins that are lethal to insect larvae. Insertion of this gene has enabled such kind of genetically modified corns to produce their own pesticides (Whitman, 2000). Due to high levels of research investment, various cereals have been transformed including rice, soybeans, oilseeds and corn. This genetic transformation however may only be a success at the research level and not at the commercial production level. Not many of the genetically modified cereals have been accepted and are being used due to several factors and reasons which will be discussed below. As noted previously, genetically modified food are not accepted in every part of the world depending on the government, the development of that country and so many other factors (Hudson, 2001). The Case for Introduction of Genetically Modified Cereals into Australia and the Global World According to Halford and Whitman, there is one reason why genetically modified foods including cereals have been introduced into the global world which is food security (2003;2000). As at 2000, the world’s population had reached 6 billion and according to Whitman, this would double in the next 50 years (2000). Statistics show that with the world’s food production systems, there would be not enough to feed all in the world (Whitman, 2000). In order to produce enough food, there has to be more produce which can only be achieved by reducing the pests, diseases and weeds and other negative effects on food crops. Genetically modified cereals are therefore accepted and proposed to be used in different areas of the world due to the following benefits. That: (a) The Cereals will be Pest Resistant Destruction of already planted crops is a major step back to the success of farmers and reduction of hunger. Eradicating the pests is therefore very important in ensuring that there is enough for consumption and the farmers also gain. It is also argued that most people do not like eating pesticide and fertilizer contaminated foods. Excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides are also considered harmful to the environment since run-off wastes can poison water supplies. This leaves the option of genetic modification which will cause no water pollution, not contaminate food with pesticides and will eradicate pests. Genetic modification as noted previously is changing the genetic make up of a cereal making it pest resistant (Zantinge, 2000; Halford, 2003; Whitman, 2000). (b) The Cereals will be Resistant to Herbicides There are some crops that tilling and any other physical means of weed removal would lead to their great losses. Destruction of weeds in such cases is by use of different herbicides. According to Halford and Whitman, this is a very time consuming and expensive process since care has to be taken to avoid destruction of the crops and the environment. Introduction of genetically modified crops (in this case for the cereals) resistant to herbicides would eliminate the time consuming and expensive process and would save the environment from herbicidal damage (Zantinge, 2000; Halford, 2003; Whitman, 2000). (c) The Cereals will be Disease Tolerant Most plant diseases are caused by fungi, bacteria and viruses. Creation of crops genetically modified to be resistant to such microorganisms will mean resistance to diseases caused by the microorganisms making the plants free from diseases (Zantinge, 2000; Halford, 2003; Whitman, 2000). (d) The Plants will be Drought Tolerant. Drought and cold affect final produce of cereals and any ways of dealing with them can increase food production for the world’s population. According to Whitman, (2000) population growth in the world has led to the utilization of land mostly for housing and not food. This leaves unsuitable land for growth of cereal crops. Scientists’ solution to this is by creation of plants that can withstand drought and other unsuitable conditions for more food produce (Zantinge, 2000; Whitman, 2000). (e) That Genetically Modified Cereals can help Reduce Malnutrition The reason why genetically modified cereals could solve the problem of malnutrition according to scientists is that a cereal could be made to contain all important nutrients thus preventing malnutrition (Zantinge, 2000). In third world countries, most people rely on one type of crop, mostly rice. The rice however does not contain all nutrients necessary to prevent malnutrition. If this rice, which is available to the people in third world countries, could be altered genetically to produce necessary nutrients, there would be reduced malnutrition cases in such areas. The golden rice created by Swiss Federal Institute Technology for example was altered to contain beta–carotene that would supply the third world countries with vitamin A hence reducing cases of blindness which were found to be very high in those areas (Whitman, 2000). Genetically modified cereals are also encouraged since the production process will ensure enhancement of small farms which in turn lead to increased productivity (Tribe and Kalla, 2005). Generally, it is argued that GM crops have the potential to improve agriculture therefore reduces food insecurity cases even in developing countries (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2003). The issue of GM foods is currently an exceptional debate in Australia but still has growing attention globally especially in Europe. The first GM food to be accepted in Australian was genetically modified cotton seeds. Accepting other genetically modified foods has not been easy since there are consumers who reject them. Additionally, there are negative effects (risks) preventing its use in various parts of the world. The use of genetically modified cereals was just accepted for use in Australia just recently (GPAP, 2008) with their use in other countries and partly its benefits, being the cause of their acceptance (Nuffield Council on Bioethics, 2003). The Case against Genetically Modified Cereals in Australian and the Global World The use of GM foods including cereals was not accepted in Australia although some of the foods found their way into the country. It is just recently, 2008 that the use of GM foods have been accepted. Some consumers and even chefs in Australia however, still do not agree with the use of GM foods in Australia (GPAP, 2008). According to Tribe and Kalla, Australia may have accepted the use of these foods due to the acceptance by other developing countries which it competes with in food production and may be because of the other benefits of GM foods (2005). Globally, the main benefit would be food security, nutrition and other benefits mentioned above that conserves the environment. There are reasons however that make the use of GM cereals and other foods in many countries world wide be rejected. Below are the reasons against the introduction of genetically modified cereals in Australian and the global world. The reason for rejection or opposing the introduction of GM cereals is the lack of consideration to the potential hazards that can result due to the use of such products. Governments, environmental activists, professional associations, consumers and even religious organizations have opposed these products claiming they could have environmental hazards, economic concerns and human health risks (Whitman, 2000). This paper will only discuss the environmental hazards. (a). Development of genetically modified crops (cereals) can cause harm to other organisms. According to Whitman, Pollen produced by B.t. genetically modified corns could cause harm to butterfly caterpillars (2000). Other genetically modified cereal crops could also cause harm although unintended. (b). Formation of new genes into plants can alter the natural genes function in many ways making the genes unstable in the environment and functioning differently. The transfer of genes can also lead to transfer to non-target species. In the case of resistance to herbicides for example, the plants with herbicide resistance genes can cross breed with the weeds causing the weeds to be resistant to the herbicides as well. Conclusion Genetically modified cereals have both their advantages and disadvantages. The advantages all lead to food security and some reduced environmental hazards. The disadvantages however are on the effects the cereals would have on the environment, the economy and the people’s health. This paper has given reasons for supporting and opposing the introduction of genetically modified cereals. The disadvantages of GM cereals are the cause of rejection by several countries including Australia. Their advantages led to their use in some countries. The rejection of GM cereals in some countries and their acceptance in some creates a controversy on whether they should be used or not globally. Reference List Green Peace Australia Pacific (GPAP). (2008). Charter: Chefs for a GM Free Australia http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/issues/GE/solutions/corporate/ge-free/chefs-charter Halford, N. G. (2003). Genetically Modified Crops. London, UK: Imperial College Press. Hudson, C.B. (2001). The Role of Biotechnology in the Development of New Cereal Grains and Cereal End Products. Proceedings of the 10th Australian Barley Technical Symposium. Retrieved on 22nd, September, 2009 from: http://www.regional.org.au/au/abts/1999/hudson.htm Nuffield Council on Bioethics. (2003). The Use of Genetically Modified Crops in Developing Countries. 22nd, September, 2009 from: http://www.efb-central.org/images/uploads/nuffieldcouncil.pdf. Tribe, D.and Kalla, R. (2005). 9th ICABR International Conference on Agricultural Biotechnology: Ten Years Later: Economic Impacts of Two GM Crops in Australia. Whitman, B. D. (2000). Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Retrieved on 23rd, September, 2009 from: http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php Zantinge, J. (2000). Paper: Current Trends in GM Cereals. Retrieved on 22nd, September, 2009 from: http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/fcd4858 Read More