To many people, genetically modified crops conjure up all kinds of strange visions from the future. One may think of gigantic vegetables or insects. Although this is not occurring, the future is here in the form of genetically altered foods. You will find good things and bad things about these foods, and here is more about what is genetic engineering and why many are concerned.
Perhaps the biggest reason to modify crops is to increase the supply of food. Greater food supply translates into lower food prices. This can be done by changing the DNA in seeds to make plants disease resistant. Some diseases can devastate crops and cause serious shortages. This is caused when farmers plant most of their fields in the same type of crops.
GMO or Genetically modified crops may be produced to withstand harsh conditions. For instance, no one can predict the amount of annual rainfall. In times of drought, special drought resistant crops may be able to endure long periods with little moisture.
If plants are altered from a DNA level, there is no guarantee of the end results. Some people may be allergic to GMO foods. Changing DNA can create toxins in some kinds of plants. These factors are very difficult to predict with any certainty.
If one creates super plants that are resistant to modern day pesticides it would seem like a good thing. Farmers can spray their crops and kill only weeds or insects. However, weeds and insects are far more resilient than most people realize. Within a few years time, super bugs and super weeds appear that are immune to pesticides. This creates serious problems.
When you look closely at the question what is genetic engineering you will see that it has its good side and bad. As long as consumers know what they are getting, they will have a choice. This increases the need for some kind of GMO labeling regulations.
Perhaps the biggest reason to modify crops is to increase the supply of food. Greater food supply translates into lower food prices. This can be done by changing the DNA in seeds to make plants disease resistant. Some diseases can devastate crops and cause serious shortages. This is caused when farmers plant most of their fields in the same type of crops.
GMO or Genetically modified crops may be produced to withstand harsh conditions. For instance, no one can predict the amount of annual rainfall. In times of drought, special drought resistant crops may be able to endure long periods with little moisture.
If plants are altered from a DNA level, there is no guarantee of the end results. Some people may be allergic to GMO foods. Changing DNA can create toxins in some kinds of plants. These factors are very difficult to predict with any certainty.
If one creates super plants that are resistant to modern day pesticides it would seem like a good thing. Farmers can spray their crops and kill only weeds or insects. However, weeds and insects are far more resilient than most people realize. Within a few years time, super bugs and super weeds appear that are immune to pesticides. This creates serious problems.
When you look closely at the question what is genetic engineering you will see that it has its good side and bad. As long as consumers know what they are getting, they will have a choice. This increases the need for some kind of GMO labeling regulations.
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If you wish to know more on the value of genetically modified or GMO labeling go to the What is Genetic Engineering website. You also can read about issues with genetically modified crops when you visit the homepage now.
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