Genetically Modified Organisms

Supporting GMO Production A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic code is added, altered, or subtracted to give characteristics the organism does not have normally. Based on the links provided in class and my research, I determined that GMO production can be beneficial to the world’s future. Based on the YouTube video provided in class, by 2050 there will be nine billion people on the planet. But will there be enough food for everyone? GM crop farming holds a greater promise than conventional farming of boosting crop production.
Although there are detractors that fear GM foods might pose health risks, Biotech firms say that every GM food crop is thoroughly tested for possible health effects. They conduct in-depth analyses because they are legally required to ensure foods they sell meet federal safety standards. In a farming led by Mark Lynas, the environmentalist said, “You are more likely to get hit by an asteroid than get hurt by GM food.” Lynas even says that over three trillion GM meals have been eaten over a decade and a half there has never been a substantiated case of harm. Whether people realize it or not, GM foods are found virtually in all breads, cheeses, sodas, beer, corn, and soybeans since the mid-1990s.
The innovation of GM crops will offer our best chance to address the challenge of feeding nine billion people on the planet by 2050. I believe that GMO production might have great impact in the United States and the world. As a society, we must come to understand that innovation is the only way to meet the world’s needs for food in an increasingly scarred natural environment.