GMOs and Increased Use of Herbicides
Genetically engineered crops have become common in the recent past as farmers throughout the world have planted huge portions of these crops. The increased plantations of these crops have contributed to controversies and debates regarding the use of herbicides. According to bio-agriculture companies, genetically engineering foods contribute to the reduction in the use of herbicides. However, there are counterarguments that the GMOs contribute to increased use of herbicides unlike claims by these bio-agriculture companies. This controversy is largely fueled by the belief that genetically engineered crops are developed to withstand herbicides. Nonetheless, herbicides are bad for people and the environment and the argument that herbicide resistant crops will reduce the use of herbicides is false.
Arguments on the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops
As previously mentioned, several arguments and counterarguments have been raised regarding GMOs and the use of herbicides. One of the issues that has attracted considerable attention and generated several arguments is concerns regarding the effectiveness and safety of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops. These concerns have contributed to several arguments including
The Overuse of Glyphosate Herbicides
The first argument used in questioning the safety and effectiveness of herbicide and pesticide resistant GMO crops is the overuse of glyphosate herbicides. This is primarily because of the increased introduction of new glyphosate-tolerant varieties that have been largely successful from a commercial...
GMO producers also feel that this would give consumers the impression that GMOs are unhealthy or unsafe and that non-GMO crops are preferred (Raab & Grobe, 2003). Valid scientific evidence is lacking as to whether GMOs are healthy or unhealthy in the long run. However, support is building for the position that regardless of the outcome, consumers have the right to know and to make an informed decision. Producers in
biotechnology and bioethics can be as controversial as genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Reasons for the controversy include misinformation and mistrust of the existing data. One of the problems with existing data is the dearth of longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies are especially important for studying the long-term effects of GMOs on either people or the ecosystem. Another problem with existing data is funding sources and conflict of interest, which is
FSMA Preventative Controls Rule and GMO Labeling Introduction During his campaign Donald Trump pledged to roll back regulations. Upon entering the White House, President Trump made good on that promise with the January 30, 2017, Executive Order (EO) entitled “Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs.” The EO directed federal agencies to abolish two regulations for every new regulation implemented (PMA, 2017). In terms of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), food
Genetically Modified Foods ' There has been a great deal of controversy over genetically modified foods (GMOs). First, many individuals and organizations oppose the concept of altering the genetics of foods for any reason. And secondly, there is a hot debate as to whether or not food manufacturers should publish / label their packages as containing GMOs. This paper covers the controversies and provides several angles to the debates. The way in
Genetically Modified Organisms Genetically modified foods (GMOs) are a broad group of plants, animals, and bacteria whose genetic material is artificially manipulated through genetic engineering. Although GMOs are endorsed as the best solution to malnutrition in developing countries, I posit that they should be banned due to the adverse effects they might have on both human health and the environment. According to Peel (2005), the health and environmental risks posed by
For example, if birds feed on seeds and a certain variety of insect, without the seeds, the birds may disappear, and the insects would then overpopulate the area. In addition, the cost of GM crops is initially high to the farmer. These seeds cost much more to develop and test, and so, they are much more costly to the farmer. They might benefit Third World agriculture in many ways, but
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