Agricultural Biotechnology
Genetic Engineering in agriculture involves modifying the genetic code of crops to result in production increases, nutritional content changes, and herbicide and insect resistance. The process of genetically modifying crops takes place in labs located around the world, and focuses on DNA in seeds. Notable companies involved in the production of genetically modified crops in both the United States and globally are Monsanto and GE.
Genetically engineered crops were first grown commercially in 1996, and they have increased in diversity, use, and development since their introduction. In 2010, genetically modified crops occupied 148 million ha in 29 countries globally. Most of these crops are grown in the Americas and in Asia, and are used in processed foods, and for seed production for further planting.
Genetically engineered crops were first grown commercially in 1996, and they have increased in diversity, use, and development since their introduction. In 2010, genetically modified crops occupied 148 million ha in 29 countries globally. Most of these crops are grown in the Americas and in Asia, and are used in processed foods, and for seed production for further planting.
Genetic Engineering in Food CropsThe most widely produced Genetically Modified crops are corn, soybeans, rice and canola. In the United States today, over 85% of corn, soybeans, and cotton used in food production are cultivated using genetically modified seeds. Overall, 75% of processed foods available in stores contain genetically modified crops. In the United States, there is much debate about the labeling and safety of consuming genetically modified organisms, and these issues are discussed in further detail in the policy section of this website. Globally, genetically modified foods have faced much controversy. In European countries, they are neither produced nor consumed because there is great concern among Europeans about consumption safety. In Asia, genetically modified foods are now produced by industrial agricultural methods, especially large rice farms. Also, genetically modified foods have been introduced to small farmers in Africa and Asia in order to help increase production and nutritional benefit of the foods grown locally in struggling communities. This has been a very notable positive development in genetically modified foods, and has continuous favorable effects on small farming communities around the world.
Also important in the production of genetically modified crops is the collection and distribution of seeds. Due to companies’ patents on genetic developments, farmers are not allowed to collect and replant seeds grown on their land. This friction between farmers and companies has lead to many recent debates and could soon be brought to the Supreme Court. More information about this policy debate can be found under the Policy tab on this website. Recently, the development of genetically modified trees has also become a topic of discussion in agricultural biotechnology. Genetic engineering of trees is less popular and widespread due to the impact that trees have on their environments as such large organisms. It is theorized by scientists that genetic modification of trees could lead to extremely adverse lasting effects in ecosystems. However, current results of genetically modified tree farms has had positive effects for the producers and has not led to any environmental damage. |
Environmental DebatesThere are many debates spurred by genetic engineering in agriculture focused on concerns for future developments and mutations in genetically modified crops. Genetically modified crops are developed to resist herbicides and insects to increase crop yield and health. These characteristics are beneficial economically to both farmers and consumers, however there is growing concern about the environmental effects of genetically modified plants on wild species of plants, animals, and insects. The focus of debate against genetically modified crops is the unknown effects of integration of modified DNA into surrounding ecosystems. Some evidence of the recent mutations of weeds to adopt herbicide resistant tendencies similar to modified crops and changes in insect and other animal populations has been released by agencies not in support of genetically modified organisms. However, it is important to note that most effects of genetically modified organisms on the surrounding environment have not been proven to be adverse. The crop production increases and changes in technology have overall had a positive effect on the farming industry both in the United States and around the world, and only future research on continuous environmental effects will reveal possible negative effects.
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