OPTION 1: Can GMO foods improve world agriculture?
The video on GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) gave a broad perspective on the
controversies and issues involving genetically modified foods. It brought to the limelight the
technological aspect as well as the social implications of GMO technology (Zain Husain, 2012).
The balanced viewpoint helped the viewers realize the merits and demerits of GMOs, which
could have helped in making an informed decision.
GMOs refer to organisms that have been genetically modified using biotechnology
processes that deal with the manipulation of genetic information. This modification includes the
transfer of genes from one species to another with the aim of having certain characteristics, for
instance, resistance against pests or enhancement of nutritional value (Wardlaw et al., 2022,
Section 16. 4: Biotechnology). GMOs differ from Traditional plant breeding. Conventional plant
breeding involves the identification of desirable plant types and their successive mating over
several generations, which can take several years. On the other hand, GMO technology enables
the introduction of particular genes into a plant's genome, which makes it much simpler and
quicker to create wanted traits than through the procedure of backcrossing (Wardlaw et al., 2022,
Section 16. 4: Biotechnology).
GMO foods may improve food security by improving agricultural yields and lowering
insect and disease losses. GMOs minimize chemical pesticide use by nearly 35%, benefiting the
environment and humans (Wardlaw et al., 2022, Section 16.4: Biotechnology Benefits). GMOs
can also improve food nutrition by creating biofortified crops for developing countries (Wardlaw
et al., 2022, Section 16.4: New Biotechnology in the Developing World). GMOs also raise
issues. GMOs may induce allergy reactions in certain people due to novel proteins in the food
supply (Wardlaw et al., 2022, Section 16.4: Ask the RDN: GMO and Organic Foods).
Unintended environmental effects, such as genetically modified genes transferring to non-target
species, could damage local ecosystems (Wardlaw et al., 2022, Section 16.4: Impact of
Malnutrition on Health).
In my view, GMO foods have more advantages than disadvantages, especially when it
comes to food security and deficiencies. However, it is important to continue conducting tests
and have legal frameworks to ensure that GMOs are safe and environmentally friendly. I
advocate for increased availability of GMO foods in the market without prejudice against them
as long as the foods are labelled to enable the consumers to make an informed decision.
References
Wardlaw, G. M., Smith, A. M., Collene, A., & Spees, C. K. (2021).=Wardlaw's Contemporary
Nutrition: A Functional Approach. McGraw-Hill Education.
Zain Husain. (2012). The Eyes of Nye - Genetically Modified Foods. In YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKm2Ch3-Myg
