Plagirism free last part for English paper.

The use of genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) has been the center of many debates in recent years. While GMO’s have the potential to do great things, concerns arise over the risk involved. The United States (U.S.) is the largest grower of GM crops in the world, but unlike many other countries, there are no federal regulations on how we deal with genetically altered plants and animals. Federal laws are already in place that protects consumers by requiring that companies correctly label foods. I believe GMO’s should be included on food labels as well. Furthermore, many of our citizens do not know that GMO’s are already being used in our food. Putting all legalities aside, not informing people that they are purchasing GMO’s has an unethical air to it. There is no need to take away people’s choice in the matter by keeping them in the dark. Whether for or against GMO’s, at the very least, people should be able to make their own educated decisions about the foods they consume.

When I found out that GMO’s have been used in our foods for many years, I was angry and outraged. I felt like a guinea pig in a science experiment, unknowingly a participant in determining what side effects GMO’s may or may not have on people. I was asking myself “Where was I when these decisions were made?” I wasn’t exactly sure what a genetically modified organism entailed, and that was a major cause of my frustrations. At the time, “genetically modified” sounded like some crazy science experiment done to food. Not an appetizing term at all.

Regardless of whether or not GMO’s are labeled, it is best to educate yourself as to what they are. Closely related species can crossbreed, or have genes exchanged that create a plant that has traits of both parent species. When you genetically alter an organism, you are taking genes from one species and inserting it into an entirely different species. An example would be a study where a cow’s milk-producing genes were added into pigs DNA, in addition to genes that would help piglets digest the milk. But some crazy scientist had to take it a little further. There was a Chinese experiment done where jellyfish genes were inserted into pig DNA, and the result was glow in the dark piglets (Bodeen, 2008). Experiments like this seem very unnecessary.

Conversely, GM foods do in fact have many valuable benefits, such as increasing farming yields, vaccination by food, and even growing food in places that usually cannot support crops. There are so many countries in the world who's people suffer because the land cannot support crops. Vaccination by food has the potential to help millions and millions of people. Genetic engineering can improve the quality and life of a plant by allowing it to last longer on shelves, withstand weather fluctuations, and have added nutrients (Murnaghan, 2016). But at what health and environmental cost are benefits reaped?

As a result of genetic alteration, the New Leaf potato classified as a pesticide by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This potato plant was genetically modified to create Bt toxin to kill insects that fed on it. The Bt toxin, detected in such high amounts, was not considered a food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and therefore was classified as a pesticide (Thornton). Concerns over GM plants like these cross-pollinating with nearby crops, toxic runoff, and harm or extinction to other beneficial insects is high. One insect in the ecosystem has the possibility of affecting many another organisms. What are the effects of eating animals that feed on GMO's? What are the long-term effects of directly consuming GMO's? Many speculate that the increase in allergies in our country is due to the introduction of GMO's in our food supply. This statement may have some truth to it. Last month my daughter's school would not allow me to bring cupcakes in for her birthday, "too many allergies nowadays" is what they told me. I could not believe it. Speaking with coworkers, this is a policy that many schools have adopted over recent years. There are many speculations that industrial agriculture’s dependence on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and antibiotics to manage animals and agroecosystems, has led to ecological, social and human health crises (Vidal, 2016). Until further studies are complete, consumers can only be sure that they are buying Non-GMO foods by purchasing organic labeled foods. Foods labeled as organic cannot come from GM seeds or be meat that has fed on GM foods.

Organic farming, the primary ecological (eco) farming type, and its standards are recognized worldwide. It aims to produce food while establishing an ecological balance to prevent soil fertility or pest problems. Organic agriculture takes a proactive approach as opposed to treating problems after they emerge. In many countries, it is called ‘biological’ farming. Biological Farming is an approach to food and fiber production that respects the natural processes in the farm or garden ecosystem to yield top quality products, provide a viable living for the producer, and sustain long-term productivity. Using biological farming, we can reap the best of both worlds. We can create a safe and healthy way to produce food with minimal harm to the environment as well as increase yields and improve quality.

The first advantage of eco-farming better soil. Better soil creates healthier more nutritious food. Soil building practices such as crop rotations, intercropping, symbiotic associations, cover crops, organic fertilizers and minimum tillage are central to organic practices. These encourage soil fauna and flora, improve soil formation and structure and create more stable systems. In turn, nutrient and energy cycling is increased, and the retentive abilities of the soil for nutrients and water are enhanced, compensating for the non-use of mineral fertilizers (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2016). Not only does organic farming build healthy soil, but organic fields have more topsoil than chemically treated fields, therefore, a reduced amount of erosion.

Another advantage is biodiversity. Greater biodiversity on a farm equates to a more stable and resilient farm that can stand up to inclement weather, pests, and disease. A diverse combination of plants and animals optimize nutrient and energy cycling for agricultural production and create suitable habitats for wildlife. The frequent use of under-utilized species (often as rotation crops to build soil fertility) reduces erosion of agrobiodiversity, creating a healthier gene pool - the basis for future adaptation (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2016). Organic farming encourages birds and other animals to live on farmland, which aids in natural pest control. Additionally, organic farm animals are exposed to clean, chemical free grazing that helps keep them healthy and resistant to sickness, which in turn makes them more productive.

Runoff from non-organic farms, such as harmful pesticides, toxic fertilizers, and animal waste has been a huge concern facing the water supply, and a contaminated water supply affects us all. While GM crops were created to be resistant to pesticides, weeds in these crops are resistant as well which in turn causes farmers to use even more pesticides than conventional crops. Pesticide exposure in industrial farming systems has been linked to a possible range of human health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease, birth defects, cancers and developmental disorders. Additionally, the preventative use of antibiotics in industrial animal production systems has exacerbated the problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, creating health risks for human populations (Vidal, 2016). These types of pesticides are forbidden in organic farming. Organic agriculture uses organic fertilizers (i.e. compost, animal manure, green manure) as well as soil building techniques and biodiversity to combat runoff. Biological systems as such conserve water, have better nutrient retention, and a significantly reduced risk of groundwater pollution.

Most people fear what they don’t know. And this topic falls right in line with this belief. Laws need to change in this country on how we deal with genetically altering plants and animals. At the very least to inform our citizens, so they have a choice of what they are eating. Many will welcome a longer shelf life with their food or artificially added nutrients, especially at lower prices. Genetically modified foods may be a better choice for them. Others may want to steer clear of them all together and choose organic foods instead; as they may be more health conscious. Hopefully, more detailed studies will be concluded for the long term effects of consuming GMO's and will help decide if genetically modified foods indeed are safe to introduce into the market and environment or if other avenues would be just as productive and healthier for us all.

References