Genetically modified crops were first produced in 1982 and commercially introduced in 1996. Plants are no longer victim to pesticide use or climate conditions. Farmers in third world countries are now able to produce more crops with higher nutrition levels. Vaccinations can potentially be made and administered as edible substances. While many consumers graciously accepted them due to their possible benefits, others protested their introduction due to a lack of evidence concerning potential risks. The safety of genetically modified crops has been contested since their introduction. After nearly two decades of research, genetically engineered crops are found to be safer than traditionally grown crops, helping to combat global problems. The first
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Allergenicity is a claimed side effect of genetic engineering. Many children in America and Europe have developed life-threatening allergies to peanuts, soy and other foods, possibly from inserting new genes and inadvertently producing an allergen. (Whitman) However the United States Food and Drug Administration claims that food from genetically modified plants have not been likely to cause allergies or toxic reactions. Other studies have criticized the lack of knowledge about the long term effects. A Lancet study had results showing negative on the digestive systems of rats who consumed GE potatoes. (Whitman) This article was heavily criticized however, due to flawed data that did not hold up to scientific scrutiny. The inserted gene, snowdrop flower lectin, was used to test the methodology as it is a substance known to be toxic to animals. …show more content…
Opponents say labeling will increase costs, but there is no evidence of this when other countries began. (Fulop) Genetically modified crops are a good investment for farmers around the world; farmers in developing countries earn about $3.74 for every dollar spent and in $3.04 in developed countries. (Brookes & Barfoot) “The annual gain from adoption of herbicide tolerant soybean varieties in 1999 was between $500 million and $1.1 billion… the gain in 2001 was $1.25 billion.”(Zilberman) The average yield increase per acre of GM cotton in developing countries is above fifty percent and thirty- five percent for GM corn. (Zilberman) The global farm income has increased by $116.6 billion. (Brookes &Barfoot) Genetically modified crops have garnered support, as well as opposition, due to the plethora of benefits they offer across a spectrum of areas. GM crops are concluded to be safe as well as beneficial to the majority of the world’s population. Arguments against GMCs question the amount they risk they introduce to the human body as well as the long term affects, however these claims do not hold up to scientific scrutiny. To reject genetically modified crops despite their benefits to both first-world and third-world populations would be
Allergenicity is a claimed side effect of genetic engineering. Many children in America and Europe have developed life-threatening allergies to peanuts, soy and other foods, possibly from inserting new genes and inadvertently producing an allergen. (Whitman) However the United States Food and Drug Administration claims that food from genetically modified plants have not been likely to cause allergies or toxic reactions. Other studies have criticized the lack of knowledge about the long term effects. A Lancet study had results showing negative on the digestive systems of rats who consumed GE potatoes. (Whitman) This article was heavily criticized however, due to flawed data that did not hold up to scientific scrutiny. The inserted gene, snowdrop flower lectin, was used to test the methodology as it is a substance known to be toxic to animals. …show more content…
Opponents say labeling will increase costs, but there is no evidence of this when other countries began. (Fulop) Genetically modified crops are a good investment for farmers around the world; farmers in developing countries earn about $3.74 for every dollar spent and in $3.04 in developed countries. (Brookes & Barfoot) “The annual gain from adoption of herbicide tolerant soybean varieties in 1999 was between $500 million and $1.1 billion… the gain in 2001 was $1.25 billion.”(Zilberman) The average yield increase per acre of GM cotton in developing countries is above fifty percent and thirty- five percent for GM corn. (Zilberman) The global farm income has increased by $116.6 billion. (Brookes &Barfoot) Genetically modified crops have garnered support, as well as opposition, due to the plethora of benefits they offer across a spectrum of areas. GM crops are concluded to be safe as well as beneficial to the majority of the world’s population. Arguments against GMCs question the amount they risk they introduce to the human body as well as the long term affects, however these claims do not hold up to scientific scrutiny. To reject genetically modified crops despite their benefits to both first-world and third-world populations would be