Brett Pino

March 15, 2013

Tyler Barnum
English 2010
Genetically Engineered Agriculture
GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, has been a controversy for many individuals.
The main argument is the destruction in organic organisms by adding genes to it, consider what
will eventually come of playing god? What many dont consider is that all along there has been
similar mutations in agriculture from cross breeding alone.
In agriculture cross breeding has been achieved by crossing organisms with similar genetics.
Cross breeding transfers anywhere from tens to thousands of genes; the original tomato started at
the size of a marble, it has enhanced from cross breeding to accumulate the structure held today.
The difference in genetic engineering is that it allows a transfer for genes of interest between two
diverse species. (National Geographic) By sticking to cross breeding were limited and the gene
transfer is higher in quantity than with genetic engineering. Theres a transfer for genes in either
process, only GMOs are more organized and focused on a specific goal.
Some people show great concern that genetically modified foods are not labeled; therefore,
are dangerous, however this is a misconception. (Natural News) As a society we have the right to
see what is being put in our foods, but food labels indicate dangers of health effects from the
product. Based on studies genetically modified foods are not significantly different from
conventional foods. (Harvest of Fear) The FDA regulates certain allergenic or nutritional

differences but with genetically engineered foods there has been no detection of significant
dangers; which is why there is no label. (Harvest of Fear) Consumers have a choice on which
foods they choose to purchase and intake as food by selecting organic food. We choose to use
medications or dietary supplements, not knowing the risks or outcomes. For example, in 1999 a
drug for type-two diabetes came out called Actos, the drug was deemed to lower blood pressure
safer. Years after the drug came out consumers began having side effects and even heart failure.
(Actos And Congestive Heart Failure) Genetically engineered foods have been on the market for
thirty years now and no evidence has been found that it's causing us harm. The reason GMOs are
around is not just to save big corporations money, the research is aimed at increasing a products
qualities to benefit everyone.
In Hawaii the papaya fruit is considered one of the most important crops, covering three
quarters of the total Hawaiian crop. (Papayas) A 45 million dollar companys market fell from 98%
to below 78% from a viral infection called the ring spot virus caused by the pathogen
Cucurbitaceae. (Papayas) The virus caused poor production, ring-like spots on the surface, and
narrow leaves. Genetic engineering became an option to save the business; because once a fruit is
infected it can never recover.(Papayas) The process is carried out by extraction of a single gene
from the pathogen itself, encodes for the proliferation of surface protein, helping protect the virusresistant papaya from the virus. (Harvest of Fear) Genetic modification has the potential to change
agricultures benefits and may have a way to help benefit our health as well. (Transgenic VirusResistant Papaya)
Pesticides are chemicals that are sprayed along a field, used for the prevention of a pest
from invading and destroying the crop or can attract pest predators. The chemicals are harmful
to humans, animals, and noninvasive insects. Not only can these chemicals harm the ecosystem,

they are considered a major pollutant airborne, in the water system, and in soil. (Harvest of
Fear) Bio-technologists created genetically engineered corn to contain a pesticide in its genome
called the BT gene. The BT gene comes from a soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, which
express proteins that are toxic to some insects. Only one gene is making the entire organism
toxic; BT is used to specifically target the corn-borer caterpillar and is harmless to most other
insects. (Bt Crops) In humans BT is safely and quickly broken down and digested. (Harvest of
Fear)
On the other hand, this has raised a concern about the mutation of the predators on this crop
and pollination to other organisms. The mutation of the predators would be caused by an
exposure to a field of BT corn, within time it would mutate to become immune to the resistant
quality in the corn. Like the flu, we need updated vaccinations yearly since the virus is exposed
to the vaccine and mutates to be immune to it. However, its unlikely biotechnologists have
constructed fields to contain BT corn and regular corn, keeping the predators from evolving. As
far as pollination, the regulations on GMOs are strict and the crops must be controlled from
polluting organic farms. (Harvest of Fear) Although, not all organic farms are 100% organic;
which you may find that many people would protest to maintain the natural process in farming.
Recalling all genetically modified food and going organic is unrealistic, almost all corn
products contain BT corn and more than 60% of products include engineered plant ingredient.
(National Geographic)(Harvest of Fear) Local organic growth is possible for marketing, but
shipping around the country is difficult because there are not any chemicals stunting the ripening
process. By the time produce arrives across the country most or all would be rotted. Organic
farming isnt always organic either; some organic farmers will spray their produce once a year to
clear pests or switch over to genetically modified crops. (Harvest of Fear) Its more expensive to

farm organically. We pay more for organic products because of hard labor, limited supply, more
nutrition, agricultural products, and certification. (Organic FAQs) Organic farming is more difficult
for farmers because they have to handle the weeds, grow several crops in one area, and maintain
soil more intensely. (Organic Farming) Most GMOs have proven beneficial to farmers themselves
by cutting back on production price, speeding the growth, and even increasing the size of the crop,
which all can contribute to the worlds farming.
A study was conducted on world hunger in 2010 for Sub-Saharan Africa over 200 million
considered hungry. (Hunger Notes) The main reason for this starvation is poverty, Africa and
Mexico each have problems with their crops growing correctly because the lack of nutrients in the
soil this would cost a lot of money to fix. (Harvest of Fear)(World Child Hunger Facts) Genetically
modified crops have the properties to feed many starving countries for less money and labor.
(Harvest of Fear) Not only can we feed the starving people, we can produce crops to benefit those
who are malnourished.
350,000 total are estimated to go blind each year normally caused by a vitamin A
deficiency. In Asia 33.5% of the preschoolers are considered to have a vitamin A deficiency.
(Vitamin A Deficiency) In 2000 Golden Rice was designed to help prevent malnutrition, the rice
contains two genes that activate the creation and accumulation of vitamin A. (Golden Rice Project)
Genetically engineering agriculture is helpful for producing more food. When considering thirdworld countries, which are fighting hunger, GM crops are made to grow faster, bigger, and even
more nutritious. (Harvest of Fear)
In conclusion, genetically engineered food has the power to change our world for the better.
We benefit using the BT corn because it reduces contamination in our water system, soil, and
harmful airborne chemicals. Transferring of genes, from one organism to another, makes

agriculture grow bigger, faster, and more nutritious. With genetically engineered food farming is
easier and less expensive. Since genetically modified crops can grow in non-nutritious soil and is
inexpensive we have the ability to save malnutrition and starvation. (Harvest of Fear)

References:
1 Actos And Congestive Heart Failure. N.p., 4 Apr. 2013. Web
(2)"Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food."National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. May
2002.
(3) "Bt Crops." (n.d.): n. pag. 2002. Web.
(4) "Golden Rice Project." Golden Rice Humanitarian Board (n.d.): n. pag. The. Web.
(5)Harvest of Fear. N.d. PBS. PBS. Web.
(6)"If the Biotech Industry Is so Proud of GMOs, Why Don't They Tout GMOs on Food Packaging
Labels?" Web log post. NaturalNews. N.p., n.d. Web.
(7)Organic FAQs." (2012): n. pag. Home. Organic Farming Research Foundation, 2012. Web. Apr.
2013.
(8)"Organic Farming." Organic Farming. N.p., n.d. Web.
(9)"Papayas." GMO Compass (n.d.): n. pag. 27 Nov. 2006. Web.
(10)"Transgenic Virus-Resistant Papaya: The Hawaiian 'Rainbow' Was Rapidly Adopted by
Farmers and Is of Major Importance in Hawaii Today." Transgenic Virus-Resistant Papaya (n.d.):
n. pag. 2013. Web.
(11)"Vitamin A Deficiency." International RIce Research Insitute (n.d.): n. pag. Web.
(12)"World Child Hunger Facts." Hunger Notes (n.d.): n. pag. World Child Hunger Facts. 2 Sept.
2012. Web.

(13) "World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics by World Hunger Education Service."Hunger
Notes (n.d.): n. pag. 2012 World Hunger and Poverty Facts and Statistics by World Hunger
Education Service. 7 May 2010. Web.