Essay on Genetically Modified Food

For centuries, mankind has modified crops by selective breeding. Cross-breeding techniques were established by early farmers to grow countless varieties of crops. This allows farmers to produce only the best of the best. Fast forward to today, the improvement of crops takes place all the time, and genetic modification is just one form. Scientists use genetic modification methods that use advanced biotechnology. When a crop isn’t reproducing correctly or too slowly scientists use biotechnology to assist these crops. Commonly, scientists look to nature to find a desirable new characteristic that can help weak crops. This process continues when the effective discovery of new genetic traits of value is found. Even after the farmers find a valuable trait there is often a combination of problem-solving and change when testing for new genetic modification. After this, they compare traits from the GMO and the non-GMO crop. With this scientists aim at finding the exact valuable genes that can help add useful traits. After this scientists take the gene and insert it into the non-GMO crop. There are many ways this is done but, injecting is the most common. After the gene is injected it is then important to check and evaluate the gene of the organisms over a period of time, so that scientists can approve only organisms in which the genetic code has been correctly modified.

The worldwide population is growing rapidly. The world’s population is expected to reach ten billion by 2050. With this happening, there are major problems that can arise, such as severe hunger. “795 million people lack sufficient food to lead a healthy, active life. Most of the hunger is happening in developing countries.” A developing country is a poor agricultural country that is seeking to become more advance economically and socially. Poverty is severe in these developing nations. Even though these countries lack a number of nutritious foods, most of them are in denial about genetically modified foods. They believe that genetic injection introduces the additional possibility that the previous nontoxic element in the crop could become toxic. They are in denial about the effects in the long run. However, what is worse than a starving nation that is in danger of becoming extinct? These countries need to be open-minded and look into considerations that can help them in the long run. Imagine if there were changes. How can this problem be solved? Through introducing genetically modified foods. GMO foods will be an effective tool for feeding this growing population. People need to accept and embrace new technology that can help address world hunger in the long run. Recent developments in genetic engineering technology have permitted scientists to accurately add, erase and reorganize genetic code pieces to infuse crops with useful features. This advanced biotechnology is measuring the amount of food that can be replenished from a specific area. A common strategy used among scientists to expand yield is to incorporate a gene that provides opposition to frequently used insecticides. Taking this into consideration if genetically modified is introduced to third world countries it can be a key factor in decreasing starvation. Though most of these developing countries oppose GMO foods because it goes against their cultural ways, they can be greatly benefited. Farmers in these countries can help create the yield they need for their countries.

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Farmers who adopt these pesticide-resistant crops are able to produce the most yield to feed a growing population. For many years now farmers have tried to do the best they can when it comes to crops. They have delivered us with crops and fruits. In order to develop these crops and fruits farmers have had to plant seeds, this being such a gradual process that required a lot of skill because of the many things that affect these crops. Some of the things that play into action when it comes to growing these goods are climate and pesticides. There is still a large amount of the population that is against these genetically modified foods. Some even claim that increasing the use of weed-killer pesticides can harm beneficial insects and potentially create health hazards for people in ingesting residue of herbicides on GMO crops. However, genetically modified foods have been a major contributor to the global warming problem in agriculture. These genetically modified foods are helping crops resist droughts. Because of this, Farmers are able to still produce quantities of food without having to be affected by weather changes. Another pro of genetically modified foods farmers are benefiting from is pesticides. What are pesticides? A substance used to kill insects or other species that are toxic to crops or livestock. In agriculture, farmers use pesticides to manage weeds, an infestation of insects, and diseases. Pesticides allow farmers to grow foods at reasonable prices and with good quality. They also assist farmers in providing an infinite supply of nutritious, all-year-round foods that are required for survival. It was doable for farmers to grow more crops and spend less money on pesticides. Farmers across the world using GMO seeds gained economically while boosting the environmental protection of their crops. In fact, according to “farmers who used enhanced seeds and grow biotech crops saw significant net economic benefit at the farm levels of 18.8 billion in 2012 and 116.6 billion in 2012 for the 17 years (1996-2012) period.”

Multiple people suffer from some kind of major nutritional deficiencies around the world. This can cause health complications that can even lead to death. A strategy that can help eliminate this problem is more nutrient-rich foods through genetically modified foods. People that are against GMO crops claim that these foods are more likely to cause allergies. Allergic reactions are when people have overly sensitive immune responses when coming in contact with particular compounds called allergens. These allergies can cause inflammation, itchy rash, and trouble breathing. Allergies are very common, in fact, food allergies affect millions globally. As earlier stated, the FAO organization is responsible for consumer acceptance. They make sure that every genetically modified food is applied to all recognized allergens with the composition of the added protein. Extensive tests are then used to further analyze possible allergenicity. Genetically modified foods can contribute to health as a whole. Substantial progress has been made in biotechnology development over the past decade. This development has reinforced food production's nutritional value. Supplementation activities have applied vitamins and minerals to food crops. It has been proven effective to provide micronutrients in the form of supplements to undernourished populations. Genetically modified foods have a few key factors including a changed nutritional content, longer shelf life, nicer texture, and of course flavor. The advancement of science and technology is helping researchers identify new genes that can be transferred from one species to another. With this advancement, scientists are able to create quality nutritious foods.

To conclude, even though genetically modified foods may have a few flaws, the benefits overshadow the withdraws. The world is expanding, society is growing by the day, not only is our population growing but technology is advancing very rapidly. People are able to do things now that in the past might have seemed impossible. Genetically modified foods are one of the technological advances that are expanding. Instead of people being on board with these foods they are on edge about them. However, scientists to this day haven’t found any real danger when it comes to these foods. The most advanced studies on genetically modified foods have been performed by the National Academics of Science and engineered food. These studies' findings were clear. That being said, the health and safety risk of GMO foods are obviously false. In fact, genetically modified foods are helping us increase yields for the growing population, benefiting farmers globally, and adding more nutrients to foods. Society as a whole need to become more aware of genetically modified foods. Society is overlooking the benefits of genetically modified foods, and instead focusing on the negative.