US- European Agricultural Trade Disputes: Concerns of GMOs - Coursework Example

Concerns of GMOs. The abbreviation GMO stands for genetically modified organisms. These GMOs represent either plants, insects, yeast, bacteria, fish and mammals whose genetic makeup has been modified using genetic engineering techniques to make the organism either better or more productive than the original organism. Scientists have worked on genetic modifications for years in their search for many answers and quest to solve various problems in the world. Plants have been genetically modified to yield more and help starving populations in famine stricken areas. More profits are being realized too on genetically modified crops that grow faster and hence increase output (Nelson, 22). Other crops have been genetically modified to increase their resistance to pests and diseases. Genetically modified bacteria have been developed so as to help in research work. Others have been developed to help fight diseases by providing a cure to ailments, for example insulin which is used to help diabetic patients. Other organisms have been modified genetically in order to control the populations of its kind if it seems to pose a threat to the balance of the ecosystem (Young, 10). Genuine reasons have been always the defense for research institutions and scientists who back up the existence of genetically modified organisms. However, not everyone is happy with the existence of such organisms. Many concerns have been raised as to the morality of modifying the genes of an organism or even the safety concerns related to edible crops that are being genetically modified and being sold to the average consumer (Johnson, 50). In this essay, we are going to review some of the most frequent concerns that the general public has concerning genetically modified organisms and the basis for such concerns. Role of Government Regulators The government of any country has the mandate to control the use of genetically modified organisms within its population. The sector of the government that deals with agriculture should listen to the public opinion and thereafter stipulate laws that either protects the use of genetically modified organisms or draft laws that limit the use and supply of GMOs. Not everyone appreciates the use of GMOs and hence the government should consider the public’s views on the matter before drafting any laws on GMOs (McHughen, 17). Some activists groups in various countries urge the government to make it mandatory to label GMO foods. This is to enable the consumer to feel safe when they buy food and would rather decide for themselves if they like the idea of genetically modified foods or not. Other lobbyist groups support the no labeling of GMO foods. Many countries today that produce genetically modified foods for consumption require that such companies label their foods as GMOs. In some countries labeling is made voluntary but companies tend to give misleading information once it is provided that labeling is voluntary (Johnson, 50). Labeling has brought its fair share of problems. It increases the supplier’s cost of manufacturing and instead of offering choice to consumers, it rather turns consumers away form the products. Hence retailers are forced to remove such labeled GMO products from their shelves. Regulatory bodies have also been accused of being too close to companies that produce GMOs and thus do not implement the law on GMOs fully. Such regulatory bodies do not represent the interests of the public fully (Johnson, 50). Effect on Health and Environment The major issues about genetically modified organisms are how they affect the health of a consumer and how also the organisms affect the environment. Generally genetically modified foods have had negative publicity concerning its effects on human health. Zambia in 2002 refused to accept food aid from developed countries claiming that the foods were unsafe for consumption. More than 50% of food in the United States is genetically modified hence the refusal of aid by Zambia. Genetically modified foods have not been stated to have adverse health effects if they have negative effects at all (Jensen, 1460). Genetically modified organisms have been approved for use mainly because the target result is to try to improve the society. Still the majority of people believe that these organisms pose a threat to the environment. Some GMOs in their testing are seen to pose a threat of allergic reactions when consumed but these complaints have no been confirmed in large numbers. These GMO crops have more often than not been found to be of lower nutritional value than the original food crop. This has led the rich people to avoid buying foods labeled as GMOs and rather spend money buying the original crops or foods at higher prices (McHughen, 20). In relation to the environment, GMOs have been found to affect other parties other than the targeted environment. For example, when genetically modified organisms plants are engineered to be resistive to certain diseases or pests, insects such as bees and butterflies get affected during pollination. For example, research conclusively shows that GMO maize plants are a very bad threat to Monarch butterflies. Toxic residues left by GM crops get washed away during irrigation. This poses a major threat to water bodies and the air as these toxins finally affect humans and animals alike (McHughen, 23). The cumulative effects of consuming GMOs are also a very worrying factor. This is because taking several foods that are genetically modified means having something in ones system that may change the gene composition of an organism with time. The effects may not be immediate but may manifest itself in the latter offspring of an organism. GM crops are also known to leave toxic residues in the soil which affect the ecosystem. Toxins in the soil mean that the soil becomes dry and this later makes it to lose all its nutrients and become barren. An interaction of differently engineered genes through consumption of various GM plants may cause major changes in the gene structure of humans, other animals and plants (Jensen, 1465). When genetic engineering is carried out on crops to enable them develop resistance against certain pests or diseases, there is a great concern that these resistant genes may get into the metabolism of humans or animals alike. This may make the organism develop resistance against a certain ailment and this is just one among the major concerns of GM crops on the environment (Young, 30). The use of genetically modified crops has also led to the appearance of resistant weeds that threaten land used for farming. This has led to the use of stronger herbicides which deplete the soil of nutrients and also affect water bodies and the air (Jensen, 1470). Impact for Farmers For farmers, the advancement in genetic engineering technology has come both as a blessing and as a curse. Gene alteration has mostly been done on plants for a variety of reasons among them productivity and resistance to pests and diseases. Some farmers have begun counting their losses due to the high competition between those who grow indigenous crops and those farmers who have opted for GM plants. For example there has been considerable competition when we look at the Bt-corn versus the GMO corn. Bt-corn farmers have dominated the market over farmers who opted for the GMO corn (Nelson, 25). These GMO crops have also come to the aid of farmers in some very positive ways no matter the controversy that has been associated with them. For example, genetically modified cotton has been planted to reduce the loss of cotton to pests and diseases. This has helped cotton farmers reduce cost on fertilizers and pesticides which would have rather have had a negative impact on the environment. More land has been put for cotton farming in the unites States and in other countries worldwide due to the success of genetically modified cotton being resistant to insects and other herbicides (Nelson, 200). Some farmers have had to suffer due to the monopoly of companies that produce GM seeds that thrive better and produce better yield. These companies control who get the seeds and who do not and they also set prices however they want. Until recently, farmers would usually save seeds for replanting after a harvest. However, this has come to change since some firms have lobbied against replanting and this has forced additional costs to farmers that now have to spend more on acquiring new seeds every year (Lappe and Bailey, 12). Role of GM foods in Feeding World Population. GM crops have been praised for their high yields and ability to grow in harsh weather conditions. Developed countries have made an effort to enlighten developing countries that struggle with famine and drought as to the advantage of using GM crops to sustain their livelihoods. Crops such as genetically modified cassava that can grow in desert like conditions can prove very helpful to starving communities that live in places with poor soils. (Lappe and Bailey, 12). There are arguments that GM crops do not necessarily feed the world population but are just crops designed to endure herbicides and insect destruction. There has been no effort of targeting the GM foods at feeding the increasing world population. These GM crops do not survive in all environments and thus cannot be relied upon to feed the growing population of the earth (Nelson, 200). Conclusion In conclusion, we have realized that there are positive and negative effects associated with the advent of genetically modified organisms. As much as there was a lot of hope that these genetically modified organisms would solve some of biggest problems to farmers and starving populations worldwide, the technology has brought with it grave concerns that have tarnished the good intentions the project was built on. It is up to an individual to decide where he or she stands in their view of genetically modified organisms. References. Nelson, G. C. Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture: Economics and Politics. Academic Press: United States, 2001. Print. Sanderson, C. J. Understanding Genes and GMOs. World Scientific: United States, 2007. Print. McHughen, A. Pandoras Picnic Basket : The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods. Oxford University Press: United Kingdom, 2000. Print. Johnson, E. Sustainability in the Chemical Industry. Springer: United States, 2012. Print. Jensen, M. S. Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Social Issues. ABC-CLIO: Carlifonia, 2010. Print. Lappe, M. Bailey, B. Engineering the Farm: The Social And Ethical Aspects Of Agricultural Biotechnology. Island Press: Washington, D. C, 2002. Print. Read More