Why do we genetically modify food make more money

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why do we genetically modify food make more money

Genetically modified foods GM foodsalso known as genetically engineered foods GE foodsor bioengineered modivy are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering. Genetic engineering techniques allow for the introduction of new traits as gsnetically as greater control over traits when compared to previous geneticallu, such as selective breeding and mutation breeding. Commercial sale of genetically modified foods began inwhen Calgene first marketed its unsuccessful Flavr Savr delayed-ripening tomato. Genetically modified crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and for better nutrient profiles. GM livestock have been developed, although, as of November [update]none were on the market. There is a scientific consensus [5] [6] [7] [8] that currently available food derived from GM crops poses no greater risk to human health moee conventional food, [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] but that each GM food needs to be tested on a case-by-case basis before introduction. However, there monej ongoing public concerns related to food safety, regulation, labelling, environmental impact, research methods, and the fact that some GM seeds, along with all new plant varieties, are subject to plant breeders’ rights owned by corporations. Genetically modified foods are foods produced from organisms that have had changes introduced into their DNA using the tood of genetic engineering as opposed to traditional cross breeding. Human-directed genetic manipulation of food began with the domestication of plants and animals through artificial selection at about 10, to 10, BC. Genetically modified microbial enzymes were the first application of genetically modified organisms in food production and were approved in by the US Food and Drug Administration. Scientists modified bacteria to produce chymosin, which was also able to why do we genetically modify food make more money milk, resulting in cheese curds. The first genetically modified food approved for release was the Flavr Savr tomato in

This page has been archived and is no longer updated. People have been altering the genomes of plants and animals for many years using traditional breeding techniques. Artificial selection for specific, desired traits has resulted in a variety of different organisms, ranging from sweet corn to hairless cats. But this artificial selection , in which organisms that exhibit specific traits are chosen to breed subsequent generations, has been limited to naturally occurring variations. In recent decades, however, advances in the field of genetic engineering have allowed for precise control over the genetic changes introduced into an organism. Today, we can incorporate new genes from one species into a completely unrelated species through genetic engineering, optimizing agricultural performance or facilitating the production of valuable pharmaceutical substances. Crop plants, farm animals, and soil bacteria are some of the more prominent examples of organisms that have been subject to genetic engineering. Figure 1 Agricultural plants are one of the most frequently cited examples of genetically modified organisms GMOs. Some benefits of genetic engineering in agriculture are increased crop yields, reduced costs for food or drug production, reduced need for pesticides, enhanced nutrient composition and food quality, resistance to pests and disease , greater food security, and medical benefits to the world’s growing population. Other applications include the production of nonprotein bioplastic or nonindustrial ornamental plant products.

A number of animals have also been genetically engineered to increase yield and decrease susceptibility to disease. For example, salmon have been engineered to grow larger Figure 1 and mature faster Table 1 , and cattle have been enhanced to exhibit resistance to mad cow disease United States Department of Energy, The pharmaceutical industry is another frontier for the use of GMOs. In , human growth hormone was the first protein pharmaceutical made in plants Barta et al.

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Spartan plant researchers explain the basics of genetically modified organisms Nov. For the average consumer, separating reputable sources from propaganda is tough, if not impossible. Nature is perpetually modifying the genetics of every organism in an effort to help the organism adapt to its changing environment. Radiation from the sun can induce changes in the genome, for example. More than 30, years ago, humans realized they could have a hand in the process of modifying genes when they domesticated and began selectively breeding wolves to ensure the animals passed along specific characteristics. Humans also have bred plants for thousands of years in an effort to ensure the survival of desirable traits. While conventional selective breeding methods are still the most common, the newer biotechnology techniques used to create GMOs are actually rooted in genetic engineering. Scientists use biotechnology to insert one or more genes from one organism into another to give the second organism the specific trait controlled by the transferred gene or genes. Adding a gene that promotes drought resistance, for instance, may permit farmers to grow a crop in a nontraditional region of the world or in an area with dwindling water resources. In , scientists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen created the first genetically engineered organism — E.

NPR Staff. Robert Fraley is executive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto, where he has worked for more than 30 years. The increased yields of GMO crops, they also argue, are essential to feeding the world’s growing population. Proponents of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, say that farmers who grow these crops are able to use fewer environmentally damaging pesticides. Secondly, the antibiotics and hormones given to cows or chickens are found in our bodies. Critics, however, say the claims of those benefits are overblown. But should the production and sale of genetically-modified food be banned? Before the debate, the audience at the Kaufman Music Center in New York voted 32 percent in favor of the motion, with 30 percent against and 38 percent undecided. Accessibility links Skip to main content Keyboard shortcuts for audio player. Genomics researcher Alison Van Eenennaam, with Monsanto’s Robert Fraley, argues that genetically modified foods have increased farmers’ yields and profits around the world. House of Representatives agricultural subcommittee.

Food Sources

He currently oversees the company’s global technology division which includes plant breeding, biotechnology and crop protection research facilities in dozens of countries. InMellon founded the Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists to promote the adoption of science-based farming systems that are simultaneously productive, environmentally benign and resilient in the face of stress. He spent the genetifally 18 years of his career working in Washington, D. However, some experts claim that genetically modified food has benefits and it should be allowed. Science policy consultant Margaret Mellon argues that genetically modified crops have encouraged the evolution of resistant weeds and pests. Alison Van Eenennaam is a genomics and biotechnology researcher and cooperative extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis. And, they argue, there is still no scientific consensus on the long-term safety of these foods. Consequently, you will often get sick. In conclusion, my opinion is that we should not be genettically genetically-modified foods, so they should not be made available to consumers. Genomics researcher Alison Van Eenennaam, with Monsanto’s Robert Fraley, argues that genetically modified foods have increased farmers’ yields and profits around the world. NPR Staff.

Are GMOs safe?

In an effort to improve our food supply, scientists have discovered ways to genetically modify food so that it grows faster and is less susceptible to disease. But should the production and sale of genetically-modified food be banned?

In my opinion, I would prefer that producing and selling this type of food was banned. It is difficult to know what this is going to do to our bodies, and the quality of the food may mmodify as jake. Even if it tastes the same, it could cause problems in our bodies, such as cancer or other ailments.

But some people believe that we should allow genetically-modified food to be produced and sold. They feel this way because we have food shortages in the world, and if science can allow us to increase our food supply, we should explore the option.

While I agree with this intention, I think that there must be a better way to handle food shortages than modifying the genetics of food. We could develop better farming techniques, or start producing momey food in cities. In conclusion, my opinion is ae we should not be consuming genetically-modified foods, so they should not be made available to consumers. We should only eat foods that are as nature intended them to be.

Are GMOs Good or Bad? Genetic Engineering & Our Food


Genomics researcher Alison Van Eenennaam, with Monsanto’s Robert Fraley, argues that genetically modified foods have increased farmers’ yields and profits around the world. Many plants we eat today are a result of genetic modifications that would never occur in nature. Scientists have long been altering the genes of food crops, to boost food production and to make crops more pest- drought- and cold-resistant.

The origins of GMOs

Proponents of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, say that farmers who grow these crops are able to use fewer environmentally damaging pesticides. The increased yields of GMO crops, they also argue, are essential to feeding the world’s growing population. And proponents say that numerous studies have shown that genetically modified foods are safe to eat. Critics, however, say the claims of those benefits are overblown. They say farmers growing GMO crops have actually increased their use of herbicides. And widespread use of the crops, they say, have also led to an increase in herbicide- and pesticide-resistant weeds and insects. And, they argue, there is still no scientific consensus on the long-term safety of these foods. Four scientists recently took on those questions in an Intelligence Squared U. Before the debate, the audience at the Why do we genetically modify food make more money Music Center in New York voted 32 percent in favor of the motion, with 30 percent against and 38 percent undecided. Afterward, 60 percent agreed with the motion, and 31 percent disagreed — making the side arguing in favor of the motion the winners of this debate. Robert Fraley is executive vice president and chief technology officer at Monsanto, where he has worked for more than 30 years. He currently oversees the company’s global technology division which includes plant breeding, biotechnology and crop protection research facilities in dozens of countries. Fraley has authored more than publications and patent applications. Inhe was honored as a World Food Prize Laureate and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Academy of Sciences Award for the Industrial Application of Science for his work on crop improvement and the National Medal of Technology from President Clinton in Alison Van Eenennaam is a genomics and biotechnology researcher and cooperative extension specialist in the Department of Animal Science at University of California, Davis.

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