Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Industry

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The health of the environment has been suffering for years. With global warming becoming a rising issue, people around the world are looking for new ways to reduce their fossil fuel consumption. One way that has been brought up is to genetically modify crops to grow in certain climates so that they can be planted locally and won’t have to travel as far. This would reduce fossil fuel consumption and ultimately improve the health of the planet. Though this could possibly benefit the earth, genetically modified (GM) crops tend to cause more problems than solve them. The Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) industry is brutal towards its employees. GMO foods are affecting consumer diets. Genetically modifying crops to grow in certain locations …show more content…
Studies have shown that since GMOs were introduced, health problems have increased. GMO foods aren’t necessarily going to kill you, but they may affect your body. Some GMO plants may have a decreased nutritional value because of how they were modified. Others may contain increased toxicity. According to the article Harmful Effects of the Agent, “If other genes in the plant become damaged during the insertion process it could cause the plant to alter its production of toxins. Alternatively, the new gene could interfere with a metabolic pathway causing a stressed plant to produce more toxins in response.” (“Harmful”). Increasing GMO farms and producing more GMO crops may result in a problem for the human race. Plants could become full of toxins and wouldn’t be safe to eat. Or allergies could increase, causing allergic reactions upon eating certain foods. Less GMO crop productions means less chance of this happening to people. Of course, GMO foods will never be gone entirely, but better, alternative options should be available for those who need it. Consumers and farmers go hand in hand; one can’t live without the other. With many farmers working on GMO farms, they may not be living for much …show more content…
Organic farmers have more freedoms because they own the land, as well as not having to work for a company. GMO farm workers don’t have the option to plant what they want, how they want it. A farm in Oregon took off after the owners decided to go organic and stay local, rather than to plant GMO crops. Tom and Barbara Boyer, the owners, have several successful “profit centers”, or ways they make money, around their farm (Mortenson 655). Their choice to stay local and organic has vastly diversified the local Oregon market. If more farmers were to stay organic rather than work for GMO farms, plant diversity would improve. Biodiversity is important in maintaining a balance in the environment, which in turn keeps the planet healthy and stable. It also keeps the many varieties of plants alive. Going organic may not prevent climate change, but it still does its part to keep the environment healthy. Keeping the environment healthy in turn will help keep the people

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