Genetically Modified Crops

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Genetically modified (GM) crops are being developed today to help supply the earths growing population with the plants that we all rely on for survival. Genes are being placed into plants to help them resist the adverse conditions that would have resulted as a loss of yield in the past. Plants are also being transformed to give us the most out of the crops that we grow. Even with these benefits there are perceived consequences that have resulted in much debate about this technology. Arguments from both sides address the same issues from different points of view. These concerns include how the use of GM crops, or the lack of these crops, will have an effect on the environment, human health, and the economy. There are legitimate concerns on each side of the aisle but the “all or nothing” attitude of these debates will never end in a reasonable conclusion.
Opponents of the use of genetically modified crops believe that their use will have a detrimental effect on the environment. One of the biggest concerns is that cross pollination will cause the introduced genes to be incorporated into the genomes of other plants. This could result in “superweeds” that are resistant to herbicides and are extremely difficult to eradicate. There are also concerns that bugs could be affected as well. Some believe that there is a possibility that crops transformed with genes that increase pest resistance could harm essential pollinators such as bees and butterflies. On the other hand some fear that pest will become resistant to pesticide that are engineered into crops.
Supporters of GM crops ensure that they are safe and can even help the environment. With built in resistance to pests, plants have to be sprayed with pesticides, less often. This helps ...

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... thought to be under the influence of agribusiness. I think the best way to address these concerns is to strike a balance between the two sides. In my opinion genetically modified crops are import for us to utilize as the Earth’s population grows and climates change. On the other hand I also believe it is important to preserve organic farming techniques to produce high quality, unadulterated, foods for human consumption. I think that this technology needs to be highly regulated and that products containing these organisms should be clearly marked so that people have the choice of using them or not. I also feel that this technology is important to humanity and should be made available at prices that will reduce inequality. With all arguments considered, genetically modified crops should be approached very carefully, but banning their use outright would be a mistake.

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