2. Bio-Tech Farming (GMO, GE)
 
Definition:
 
The use of molecular biology tools for the deliberate modification of DNA, with the consequence of modifying the nature and expression of genes for the purpose of understanding their function.  NCCR
 
What are some of the problems related to this issue?
 
Risks associated with genetically engineered foods are now well established, both in the laboratory and in practice. Natural Law Party
 
Non-Organic farming wastes energy.  Organic farming can save up to 50% of energy, according to studies. Using manure can save 80% of the energy consumed by using synthetic fertilizers.
Green Networld, 2004
 
Human experience with GE foods has been very limited. GE foods have been on the market for only about five years, so there obviously has been no experience with long-term exposure to these novel foods. Few controlled short-term human studies have been conducted on these new foods. Moreover, since GE foods have not been labeled, there has been no way for scientists to compare the health of people who have and have not been eating them. Ed: Dr Jaan Suurkula, M.D. Chairman of PSRAST
 
Notwithstanding increasing signs of potential and actual hazards for public health and the environment, there is now also considerable evidence of unexpected agronomic and financial problems for farmers arising from the use of GMOs in agriculture. Natural Law Party
 
With Monsanto's terminator technology, they will sell seeds to farmers to plant crops. But these seeds have been genetically-engineered so that when the crops are harvested, all new seeds from these crops are sterile (e.g., dead, unusable). This forces farmers to pay Monsanto every year for new seeds if they want to grow their crops.  Ethical Investing
 
The use of genetic engineering in agriculture is usually justified on one or more of three grounds. These are: encouraging economic growth, helping to feed the world's population and (most disingenuously) the promotion of sustainable development. Natural Law Party
 
Perhaps the biggest issue raised by these results is how to explain the rapid adoption of GE crops when farm financial impacts appear to be mixed or even negative. 'The Adoption of Bioengineered Crops' US Department of Agriculture Report, May 2002
 
Biotechnology companies make many impressive claims about genetically engineered crops (and other GM products) which are theoretically attractive to farmers in simplifying their farm management and providing economic benefits. But how accurate are these claims?  Natural Law Party
 
<<top