Link to article: http://www.globalissues.org/issue/188/genetically-engineered-food
Article summary: Lots of food we eat today has been somehow genetically modified. As we move forward in time the technology used in this process is improving. The problem is that there is concern from lots of citizens and scientists are worrying that developing countries can not afford the technology and could experience food shortages. Many biotech firms are supporting crop uniformity which sadly would eliminate much of the genetic diversity and make the crops more vulnerable to diseases and pests. The organizations are profit hungry and using the developing world to their advantage to market their technology. This creates questions about the ethics behind Genetic engineering of food.
Reflection: While genetically modified food is a great technology, I certainly don't like hearing that the companies in control of the technologies are making it difficult for developing countries to afford. Are the people behind this process morally sound. Well I honestly don't pay attention to that and just eat the food I am given because frankly it is much cheaper than organic food. Biodiversity truly is important so I disagree with crop uniformity 100%.
Questions:
1. Is this a political problem, economical, or environmental?
2. Is crop uniformity a good idea or bad idea? Why?
3. Do the morals and values of those behind the technology really matter? Why or why not?
Genetically Modified foods fall under the political, economical, and environmental jurisdiction. With GMO's, making food easier to obtain here in the united states, why not make it easier for those in developing nations to obtain and feed their masses. Crop uniformity is only bad when there is an under preforming crop. It is very good when there are stable crops being planted in stable areas. Food can be imported to other countries in stead of being grown their. It could also strengthen the bond of different nations as well as ad more to a nation's economy. In the countries receiving the food, they are being fed. It would take less time to import the GMO's into developing nations rather than waiting for the growing season. This also ties up part of the ethics argument. This food could go to the masses who are suffering, waiting for the next growing and harvesting seasons.
ReplyDeleteIn the United States, most of the food that is being produced are produced with GMO's. They are the seedless grapes, cherries, and watermelons. Also, they are the large tomatoes, corn, and cotton that we eat or wear.
Opinion/Reflection: I strongly believe that genetically modifying foods is a good choice. However, the issue with developing countries not having the technology and having food shortages makes the process a little more complicated. The companies and industries making the developing countries struggle to afford the technologies is a lose-lose. Developing countries should have the technology that the others have. What this lead to was the support of crop uniformity. I agree with Mara and completely oppose crop uniformity. Biodiversity is important and especially in our foods.
ReplyDeleteExpansion: Referring to the question about what kind of problem that this is, I think that it is a political problem. This has to do with equality. With developing countries not receiving the technology vital in genetically modifying organisms, a reaction of the possibility of crop uniformity is coming about. I also think that crop uniformity is a bad idea because of the pros of having diverse variety in food.
I think GMOS AREbad. the on.ly good thing is that they could help to feed the masses. I like mike feel that this is a stalemate. I also feel gmos are bad because the compinies are mean to farms.
ReplyDeleteexpansion
yes the morals of the companies are mean to the farms like I said earlier