The assignment is an opportunity to practice making an argument that is logical, evidence-based, and original (for a reminder of the argument structure of a position paper from COM1020, review the Argument Structure for Position Paper document)-Opinion Editorial: A Global Perspective on Social Problems
Introduction
Foods that have been genetically modified (GM) have emerged as a major global concern, generating heated discussions about their global implications. According to Kumar et al. (2020), this problem has been there for a while and will only get worse as technology develops. The creation and acceptance of genetically modified foods are justified by the need to solve issues with conventional agriculture, such as crop losses brought on by pests, illnesses, and environmental factors. However, critics voice concerns about potential environmental consequences, the concentration of seed patents, and long-term health repercussions (Krimsky, 2019). This opinion editorial argues that, given the increasingly worldwide discussion around genetically modified (GM) foods, it is critical to have a thorough grasp of the issues at hand and to work together to find solutions. Analysing their effects on small-scale farmers, conventional agriculture, global food security, and the environment, it presents the case that navigating the complex world of genetically modified crops and promoting a sustainable future for all require a sophisticated, ethical, and collaborative approach-Opinion Editorial: A Global Perspective on Social Problems
Background
The origins of genetically engineered food may be found in the 1970s, when researchers started experimenting with gene transfer across various organisms. In 1973, scientists were able to effectively transfer a gene from one species of bacterium to another, creating the first genetically modified organism (GMO) (Krimsky 2019). As technology developed, genetically engineered plants were first made available in the 1980s. The Flavr Savr tomato, the nation’s first genetically modified crop, was introduced to the market in 1994 (Romeis et al., 2019). This signaled the start of GM crops’ broad use in agriculture.
Genetically modified foods are crops or organisms that have genetic material that has been transformed using genetic engineering techniques. They are often referred to as genetically engineered or biotech foods (Kumar et al., 2020). Genes from a single organism are frequently incorporated into the DNA of another to modify genetic content of food. Through this method, certain features may be expressed in the modified organism, improving its nutritional value, durability, and ability to withstand environmental stress. Soybeans, maize, cotton, and canola are among the major genetically modified crops in agriculture (Scott et al., 2018). These crops are genetically modified to have better nutritional profiles, resistance to herbicides, and insect resistance.’
Reasons and Evidence-Opinion Editorial: A Global Perspective on Social Problems
The global debate over genetically modified (GM) food has been illustrated by the complex relationships between ethical, economic, and agricultural concerns. Across continents, genetically modified crops have been widely accepted, changing the face of international agriculture. Since the mid-1990s, the growth of genetically modified crops has increased significantly (Bullock et al., 2021). Globally, GM crops were planted on barely 1.7 million hectares (MHa) in 1996; by 2020, however, GM crops were cultivated on 179.7 million hectares, or more than 10% of all arable land (Shahbandeh, 2022). GM crops including soybeans, corn, and cotton have been accepted by nations like the US, Brazil, Argentina, and India. Figure 1 shows the global area of GM crops by nation in 2019. The graph makes it apparent that GM foods are present in both developed and developing countries, influencing the methods used by both smallholder farmers and large-scale commercial farms.
Figure 1: Area of genetically modified crops worldwide in 2019, by country (Shahbandeh, 2022).
Nonetheless, the effects on people throughout the world are multifaceted. Proponents contend that GM crops can address issues with global food security by increasing food output. To alleviate hunger in vulnerable groups, for instance, genetically modified rice types have been produced to increase their nutritional content (Kumar et al., 2020). However the impacts are not all the same, and questions are raised about the power of big agricultural companies, the possibility that traditional agricultural methods may be replaced, and the financial susceptibility of small-scale farmers who would find it difficult to get genetically modified seeds or to compete in international markets.’
According to Krimsky (2019), a mix of national policies, economic interests, and technology improvements are to blame for the global issues facing the world. Biotechnology corporations who want to make money off of patented seeds and related agricultural inputs are frequently the driving forces behind the development and marketing of genetically modified crops. In certain areas, the adoption of genetically modified crops is motivated by economic factors, such as higher agricultural yields and a decreased need on chemical pesticides. However, the problematic nature of the issue on a global scale is mostly due to the differences in legislative frameworks across different countries, the influence of major multinational firms, and the ethical problems surrounding genetic alteration.
The societal problem with genetically modified crops arises from the way it often impacts conventional agriculture and small-scale farmers. Farmers become economically dependent on large biotech businesses that frequently own patents on genetically modified seeds. For example, the introduction of Bt genetically modified (GM) cotton to India resulted in production gains at first, but it also caused financial difficulties for small farmers who could not afford the seeds and pesticides (Kranthi & Stone, 2020). Similarly, the introduction of genetically modified maize (GM) in Mexico, where maize is an emblem of culture, sparked concerns about contamination of genes and the potential loss of biodiversity as well as indigenous seed types (García & Serna, 2019). These outcomes draw attention to the multifaceted difficulties that small-scale farmers and traditional agriculture now experience as a result of the use of GM technology.
Genetically engineered foods are a problem that should worry the general population for a number of reasons. First and foremost, serious thought must be given to the possible environmental effects of genetically modified crops, including questions about biodiversity loss and unforeseen repercussions. Second, the economic ramifications raise concerns about fair access to and control over agricultural resources, as seen by the concentrated control of seed patents and the reliance on a small number of biotech corporations. Thirdly, to protect the public’s health and safety, continued research and clear labeling are necessary in light of the health and safety issues related to consuming genetically modified foods. The moral implications of corporate power, socioeconomic inequality, and international food security highlight the significance of informed and shared concern even more.
Governments, corporations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are currently actively addressing the issues raised by genetically modified foods. On genetically modified crops, the EU has imposed strict controls (Turnbull et al., 2021). For example, due to worries about the effects on the environment and human health, Austria and Hungary have forbidden the production of some genetically modified crops. A German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences corporation by the name of Monsato has been instrumental in the creation and marketing of genetically modified crops. However, a lot of people opposed its methods, and it was sued in court, particularly when it came to the herbicide Roundup, which was linked to genetically modified crops (Peschard, K., & Randeria, 2020). Global environmental NGO Greenpeace has been vocal in its opposition to genetically modified foods, highlighting ecological issues and possible threats to biodiversity (Price, 2023). They aggressively promote organic and sustainable agricultural methods.
Anticipation of likely objections-Opinion Editorial: A Global Perspective on Social Problems
My well-informed opinion is that a multimodal approach is needed to lessen the worldwide impact of genetically modified crops. First and foremost, standardizing rules that handle the potential advantages and hazards of genetically modified agriculture will require clear and cooperative worldwide initiatives. Protecting biodiversity and small-scale farmers’ interests can be achieved by emphasizing ethical and sustainable farming methods-Opinion Editorial: A Global Perspective on Social Problems
In conclusion, an in-depth understanding of the complex issues raised by genetically modified crops is necessary given the global perspective on these goods. It is critical to take the ethical, financial, and social aspects of genetically modified crops into account when negotiating their complex environment. It is possible to work toward a more fair and knowledgeable approach to the global effect of GM foods by encouraging international collaboration, supporting sustainable practices, and critically analyzing the evidence that is now available. It is not possible to resolve the complexities of this social issue and clear the path for a decent and sustainable future unless countries work together.
References
Bullock, D. W., Wilson, W. W., & Neadeau, J. (2021). Gene editing versus genetic modification in the research and development of new crop traits: An economic comparison. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 103(5), 1700-1719.
García-Lara, S., & Serna-Saldivar, S. O. (2019). Corn history and culture. Corn, 1-18.
Kranthi, K. R., & Stone, G. D. (2020). Long-term impacts of Bt cotton in India. Nature plants, 6(3), 188-196.
Krimsky, S. (2019). GMOs Decoded: A Skeptic’s View of Genetically Modified Foods. MIT Press.
Kumar, K., Gambhir, G., Dass, A., Tripathi, A. K., Singh, A., Jha, A. K., … & Rakshit, S. (2020). Genetically modified crops: current status and future prospects. Planta, 251, 1-27.
Peschard, K., & Randeria, S. (2020). Taking Monsanto to court: legal activism around intellectual property in Brazil and India. The Journal of Peasant Studies, 47(4), 792-819.
Price, C. (2023). Greenpeace and the online genetically modified food debate in the UK: The role of science and scientific evidence in ‘environmental representation’. Public Understanding of Science, 32(4), 489-503.
Romeis, J., Naranjo, S. E., Meissle, M., & Shelton, A. M. (2019). Genetically engineered crops help support conservation biological control. Biological Control, 130, 136-154.
Scott, S. E., Inbar, Y., Wirz, C. D., Brossard, D., & Rozin, P. (2018). An overview of attitudes toward genetically engineered food. Annual review of nutrition, 38, 459-479.
Shahbandeh, M. (2022, January 14). Genetically modified crops: producing countries worldwide 2018. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/271897/leading-countries-by-acreage-of-genetically-modified-crops/
Turnbull, C., Lillemo, M., & Hvoslef-Eide, T. A. (2021). Global regulation of genetically modified crops amid the gene edited crop boom–a review. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 630396.