Genetically modified organisms remain a controversial subject, due to the belief that there is not enough information known about them. However, there have been many studies conducted on the growth and success of GMOs. Specifically, a research group, GRACE, currently investigates which methods are most beneficial for assessing GMOs. They did many studies, sponsored by the European Commission, and two of these studies included a 90 day and 1 year feeding trial (“EU Research” 1). In the 90 day feeding trial, rats were given two different kinds of maize. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, there were no negative effects found from eating the GMO-maize as opposed to the non-GMO maize. The European Commission made it regulation for GMOs to
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There are fears that possible negative effects have yet to be discovered. There are fears that the consumption of GMOs could lead to an increase in allergies, however, no studies conducted have shown such an effect. There is also a fear that GM crops will harm biodiversity (McDermott 1). Those against GMOs fear that with the increase of GM crops produced, there will only be certain kinds for tomatoes, wheat, corn, cotton, soy, etc. that will be allowed to the public. However, as Gregory E. Pence emphasizes, thousands of different genes can be inserted into crops, and instead of decreasing the variety of such crops, it increases it. These varieties can also be planted in areas that without such genes would not be able to (Pence 174-175). There is also fear of gene flow. Gene flow is when genes from one population transfer to another population. The fear is that GM crop genes will invade non-GMO crops, and hybridize. “Hybridization between crops and weeds is rare-but does occur” (Pence 179). However, this occurs within regular natural crops. Usually, these new hybrids cannot interbreed. Due to this problem and other potential fears, there must be continuous testing and research conducted on GMOs. It is important to have long-term studies, to accurately assess the effects of GMOs. There are many global research organization that continuously monitor GMOs. These include the …show more content…
GMOs show benefits for developing countries, in many ways. Many crops have nutrients that reduce Vitamin A Deficiency in children in the developing world, that would otherwise not be available. GMOs also allow for harvests in poor farming conditions, and help to end food shortages, by increasing the shelf life of foods, and being pesticide repellents (Michelle 1). GMOs are regulated by many countries, and there are multiple organizations dedicated to the research of such crops. However, awareness about GMOs must become more accessible to the public, in order to end the myths that surround these biotech foods. Labeling must become law in countries that do not require it, in order to keep consumers informed. More funding must go into research in order to provide alternative crops, and to continue the assessment of the safety of GMOs. More centers need to become available to developing countries, in order to properly produce these crops. Biotechnology has been able to successfully provide developing countries with necessary resources in their foods, and due to the food aid that it provides, should remain being produced in the United States, while being constantly monitored and labeled for the public to have access to vital
There are fears that possible negative effects have yet to be discovered. There are fears that the consumption of GMOs could lead to an increase in allergies, however, no studies conducted have shown such an effect. There is also a fear that GM crops will harm biodiversity (McDermott 1). Those against GMOs fear that with the increase of GM crops produced, there will only be certain kinds for tomatoes, wheat, corn, cotton, soy, etc. that will be allowed to the public. However, as Gregory E. Pence emphasizes, thousands of different genes can be inserted into crops, and instead of decreasing the variety of such crops, it increases it. These varieties can also be planted in areas that without such genes would not be able to (Pence 174-175). There is also fear of gene flow. Gene flow is when genes from one population transfer to another population. The fear is that GM crop genes will invade non-GMO crops, and hybridize. “Hybridization between crops and weeds is rare-but does occur” (Pence 179). However, this occurs within regular natural crops. Usually, these new hybrids cannot interbreed. Due to this problem and other potential fears, there must be continuous testing and research conducted on GMOs. It is important to have long-term studies, to accurately assess the effects of GMOs. There are many global research organization that continuously monitor GMOs. These include the …show more content…
GMOs show benefits for developing countries, in many ways. Many crops have nutrients that reduce Vitamin A Deficiency in children in the developing world, that would otherwise not be available. GMOs also allow for harvests in poor farming conditions, and help to end food shortages, by increasing the shelf life of foods, and being pesticide repellents (Michelle 1). GMOs are regulated by many countries, and there are multiple organizations dedicated to the research of such crops. However, awareness about GMOs must become more accessible to the public, in order to end the myths that surround these biotech foods. Labeling must become law in countries that do not require it, in order to keep consumers informed. More funding must go into research in order to provide alternative crops, and to continue the assessment of the safety of GMOs. More centers need to become available to developing countries, in order to properly produce these crops. Biotechnology has been able to successfully provide developing countries with necessary resources in their foods, and due to the food aid that it provides, should remain being produced in the United States, while being constantly monitored and labeled for the public to have access to vital