Food on a Global Scale

As a student studying biotechnology, one of the most important things we learn about is the many applications of biotechnology; agriculture is one them. Using genetic modification, we are able to produce crops that are more nutritious and/or resistant against extreme weather conditions. Not only does this provide even more food for an ever-expanding population, it makes food-products cheaper and more available for low-income individuals or those who are less fortunate.

However, this puts a strain on farmers. They either purchase the seeds to produce the new crop or they stick with the crop they are currently growing. For some, the answer would be obvious — purchase the new seeds. But for others, it may be a concern. That concern would be whether their current buyers accept the use/consumption of GMOs.

My personal stance on the matter would be to sell the genetically modified seeds to countries of less fortune or to countries where settlements are constantly being destroyed by natural disasters. This would provide some stability to any lack of food-stuffs and create a lightened load for the authorities to deal with more pressing matters. Theoretically, there shouldn’t be any problems with consuming GMOs. Almost everything put into the DNA of crops comes from another creature/plant we can consume and we do not experience any of the side-effects that some people may suggest when GMOs are consumed. On top of that, our bodies process all sorts of DNA in the same way and adding an extra gene into our DNA does not change that process.

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Theo's Rants & Inklings