Critics Of Agricultural Genetic Engineering example essay topic

Many people debate on whether one should eat food produced by a transgenic animal. Duane C. Kraemer notes that there two groups of people that would be likely to refuse the idea of eating food produced by a transgenic animal, these are who found it unethical to produce transgenic animals, and vegetarians (Kraemer). These two groups are a small number when compared to the total population. As long as the transgenic animals can be produced within ethical means, there should not be a problem for anyone when it comes to the question on whether or not to eat food produced by a transgenic animal. Agricultural genetic engineering research could provide many benefits for our future because genetically modified organisms would offer a surplus yield to help ease world hunger, would promote a pesticide / herbicide free environment, and would lead to higher quality foods.

ARS scientists have also developed a new hybrid of potato that is resistant to potato blight, the disease that caused the potato famine in Ireland in the mid nineteenth century (ARS). Millions of acres of wheat, a major food staple, would help to ease world hunger greatly. With this strand of wheat being able to grow in harsh land conditions which are very prevalent in third world countries, we can allow these nations to grow the food on their own, make them more self sufficient. Quite often in the news consumers hear reports that chemicals in the rainwater are extremely high to be considered safe for human consumption. According to the USDA in order to reduce the use of so many herbicides, scientists are working on creating crops that are herbicide tolerant (USDA). Herbicide tolerance would mean instead of farmers spraying their crops many times with different herbicides they would be able to spray only once with a specially designed herbicide to kill the weeds, but the crops would not be harmed because they had been genetically engineered to withstand the herbicide.

Scientists have been breaking the codes of plant cells for many years. Genetic research has allowed them to change the face of agriculture. With the genetic codes mapped out scientists are able to manipulate certain genes of plants, fruits, and vegetables that will ultimately change their nutrient content. Reported by human ecologist, Pamela, at Cornell University, Rice can be made with higher concentrations of vitamin A. Corn in the future will have higher level of fo late. (Eman oil) Consequently, scientists are studying many other fruits and vegetables, in order to not only maximize nutrient values, but to add other nutrients to foods that would not normally be found in them. Before biotechnology, farmers had to pick tomatoes off the vine while they were still green.

This was done to allow them time to be shipped before they ripened and started to rot. John Dyson points out, The softening is caused, in part, by an enzyme known as PG, which dissolves the glue holding the tomato's cells together. Researchers have been able to turn off the gene that starts the enzyme to work (Dyson). By shutting off the gene that tells the PG enzyme to activate, farmers can now allow the tomatoes to ripen on the vine allowing for a better taste, just like homegrown tomatoes. Although agricultural genetic engineering has so many positive aspects, some critics assert that this technology could be dangerous to society because the technology could disrupt natural ecosystems, could create health problems in humans, and could harm agriculture. Some people believe that agricultural genetic engineering could disrupt natural ecosystems.

They are afraid of such myths as the super weed, a weed produced with genetically engineered crops through crossbreeding that will take over an ecosystem, leaving society powerless. Some ecologists are worried that genetically engineered crops could help breed stronger weeds by spreading their genes engineered for disease resistance or other advantages. Both private researching companies, and the Federal agencies conduct several lab, greenhouse, and field tests to insure the safety of the environment when using genetically modified crops. The many tests performed on the new crops are used to see how they will affect and interact with the environment. These tests not only prove whether the genetically modified crops will be safe for human consumption, but also prove whether they will be safe to be placed in any ecosystem. Furthermore, critics say that agricultural genetic engineering will cause health problems in humans.

However, this has yet to be proven. They say that it is just not natural to transfer genes from one species to another, and that the result could be deadly. However, this could not be further from the truth. All signs show that agricultural genetic engineering has only helped the human race by providing better tasting and more nutritious foods. In addition, critics of agricultural genetic engineering go on to say that this technology will harm agriculture.

They say that these genetically altered crops may harm the natural make up of a plant, and they love to report on the massive amounts of chemicals being placed on crops every year. As was stated earlier, one of the main concerns of agricultural genetic research is to reduce the amount of pesticides and herbicides used each year. The fact that critics ignore the benefits of reducing these chemicals only goes to show that critics of GE crops are running out of things to complain about. Fortunately, their are many companies such as Monsanto and CAST who do not let these critics that are opposed to agricultural biotechnology slow their progress of improving crops. Although, some may look at this technology as dangerous, we must look at the facts.

Agricultural biotechnology has only helped the human race by offering surplus yields from crops, promoting a pesticide / herbicide free environment, and improving the quality the crops, without any negative side effects. Those that oppose this technology must open their eyes to see that this science is here to stay with all of its wonderful benefits. Instead of criticizing biotechnology, we as a whole, must promote the great ideas of those conducting this research. Thanks to this technology, we may be able to provide for an ever-growing world population.