How is genetic modification used in food production? GMOs

1) IVY Richards:-

1. What are the present concerns about loss of biodiversity, and generation of superweeds.

There are a lot of concerns regarding the loss of biodiversity and generation of super weeds especially because it does not just affect the agricultural crops, but it could also have an impact on surrounding wild ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity is really important because it is causing surrounding ecosystems to suffer and it is not just affecting different crops and plants the pesticides being sprayed on the agricultural crops are also harming the animals and insects in the general area. Superweeds create an issue that is just as important as biodiversity, the textbook describes superweeds as, "weeds that have evolved a tolerance to herbicides" ultimately pushing farmers to use more toxic pesticides which is very concerning when it comes to the health issues behind it.

2. Based on your knowledge of GMOs and GMFoods, do you support their production within the US? Why not?

I understand why GMOs and GMFoods are used, but I do not support their producing within the US. I do not support them because in years past these production companies they are not required to label if a food is a GMO or not which I do not agree with. There should be no reason why they cannot label if a food is a GMO or not. I also am really not a big fan of how little we know about how these GMOs are made and distributed among the foods we eat every single day.

3. Do you think GMOs should be clearly labeled for consumers? What are your concerns? 

I do think the GMOs should be clearly labeled for consumers because as a consumers I believe that we have the right to know what goes in our food and how our food is made. I  get concerned about why companies do not want to label if their food was made or harvested with GMOs because if they feel like they need to hide it, it makes me question why.

2) Rachel Mullican :-

1. As mentioned in the reading, there are concerns about the loss of biodiversity and the generation of superweeds. This is because it affects the agricultural crops and the surrounding ecosystems. The loss of biodiversity causes ecosystems to suffer such as plants and animals. Superweeds cause farmers to use toxic chemicals because of the tolerance to herbicides. This can cause health issues.

2. I don't really have an opinion on GMOs and GMFoods. However, GMO's tend to have a link to cancer. GMO's have a lot of antibiotic-resistant genes. These can harm one's body in many ways.

3. Yes I do think GMO's should be clearly labeled. People should know what is going into their bodies. I am so particular about certain foods, and knowing everything about the food and how it is made is something I enjoy knowing personally before consuming it. 

3) Lindsay:-

Interesting that through the process of selective breeding that they don't always rethink possible combinations and are only set on one outcome. I would think that through the process and error period you would accidentally find a certain mixes to be good or helpful in a way. Always wondered if they have thought that maybe if they continue to do selective breeding along with manipulating DNA, will we make "new species" that might out populate the "original species" and push them into existence? Or they have planned and have ways to make sure that that is not a possibility? I wonder how many GMO's there are in the world today and if they will continue to grow and outnumber the pure amount. I am also wondering in a couple years times, will they find better ways to make the current GMO's better than the current ones especially the food based ones. Changing texture, taste, how they're grown? 

 

 1. What are the present concerns about loss of biodiversity, and generation of superweeds.

The overuse of certain pesticides along with the crazy amount of land we use for growing foo 

2. Based on your knowledge of GMOs and GMFoods, do you support their production within the US? Why not?

They do help to reduce the amount of pesticide is used and have helped yield crops by 22% which is great. So yes kinda. 

3. Do you think GMOs should be clearly labeled for consumers? What are your concerns? 

Yes, to help people know what they are consuming along with the allergens that could transfer over.