GMO Argument Essay

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The discussion regarding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) is quickly becoming a hot topic of discussion in today's society. Oppositions of GMOs believe that GE (genetically engineered) crops are a serious threat to the health and wellness of human beings. However, GMOs are beneficial to society because they allow for a reduction of agrochemicals, insecticides and pesticides, on crops. In addition, GE crops allow farmers to increase the crop harvest, which will increase profits and boost the economy. Lastly, in regard to health, GMO crops actually have higher nutrient levels, which is a benefit to health and wellness. GMOs have higher nutrient levels because of their modified (increased) size. GMO corn, for example, without being genetically …show more content…

A debate between Mark Lynas and Colin Tudge" also shows how GMOs are not a threat to your health or the environment. Mark Lynas used to be an Activist against GMOs but after seeing the research and studies he has converted to explaining how GMOs are beneficial. "I thought there were potential safety concerns about GMOs. But it turns out that after hundreds of studies and some trillions of meals containing GMO ingredients having been consumed, there has never been a single substantiated health concern" (131). As far as the environment is concerned, "There have probably been benefits in terms of [no-till] farming and carbon retention in the soil" (131). No-till farming is a way of avoiding "poor farming methods," as some call it, by not plowing or cultivating the ground before planting. The reduction in agrochemicals is significant, not necessarily in herbicides as GMOs can't really resist weeds, but insecticides as they can resist being "attractive" to insects after planting. Also, since weeds will still grow around GE crops, herbicides will need to be used. GMO crops are made with this in mind and certain GMOs are "Roundup-Ready," which means you can spray the herbicide over the seeds and they will not react as they are made to be resistant to these

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