Against Biotechnology Foods

On By Mei Cooper

Although promising, biotechnology used to modify plants is not enough to solve malnutrition on its own. Furthermore, genetic modification of plants poses possible negative impacts on the environment and other crops. Genetically modified crops can fail to germinate, kill organisms that are beneficial to plants, and reduce the fertility of soil.6 Genetically modified crops can also potentially transfer properties of pesticides or virus resistance to the native relatives of the crop species. Furthermore, these crops might cross-pollinate with weeds, resulting in “superweeds” that are difficult to control.8

Environmentalists criticize biotechnology for too often producing unexpected results. For example, though built-in resistance to pesticides in genetically modified crops is generally regarded as positive, these crops simultaneously promote the development of pesticide-resistant pests.1 This is due to the continual use of a single pesticide, as genetically modified crops facilitate only a limited number of pesticides. This repeated use accelerates the evolution of resistant pests.1

Additionally, when genes transfer from a genetically modified crop to a non-GM crop, unexpected pesticide-resistant crops and weeds can develop.1 This can create challenges for farmers and, for pesticide-resistant crops that need pesticides to survive, could even result in the loss of crops due to lack of a proper pesticide. Genetically modified crops accelerate the development of pesticide-resistant weeds, causing even further struggles for farmers.1  

Lastly, another issue with genetically modified crops is the economic prospect- it’s expensive and time-consuming.1 Genetically modified seeds are expensive and may not be affordable to smaller farmers. Furthermore, global food production is dominated by just a few seed companies, increasing the dependence of smaller, developing countries on larger, industrialized nations.1

References

  1. Acker, R. V., Rahman, M. M., & Cici, S. Z. H. (n.d.). Pros and cons of GMO crop farming. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Environmental Science.   https://oxfordre.com/environmentalscience/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780199389414.001.0001/acrefore-9780199389414-e-217?rskey=rTCqzC
  2. Booker, C. (2022, March 6). How scientists are reducing methane from cow burps. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/cow-burps-are-a-major-contributor-to-climate-change-can-scientists-change-that
  3. Contributions of agricultural biotechnology in alleviation of poverty and hunger. (n.d.). ISAAA.Org.   https://www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/pocketk/30/default.asp
  4. Food waste in America. (n.d.). Feeding America.   https://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/reduce-food-waste
  5. Langer, R., & Sharma, S. (2020, November 20). The blessing and curse of biotechnology: A primer on biosafety and biosecurity. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. https://carnegieendowment.org/2020/11/20/blessing-and-curse-of-biotechnology-primer-on-biosafety-and-biosecurity-pub-83252
  6. Jamil, K. (n.d.). Biotechnology – A solution to hunger? United Nations.   https://www.un.org/en/chronicle/article/biotechnology-solution-hunger
  7. UN Food Systems Summit: Biotechnology key to meeting zero hunger goals. (2021, July 29). Alliance for Science. https://allianceforscience.org/blog/2021/07/un-food-systems-summit-biotechnology-key-to-meeting-zero-hunger-goals/
  8. Wieczorek, A. (n.d.). Use of biotechnology in agriculture–benefits and risks.   https://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/bio-3.pdf