Genetically modified foods (GMFs) allow today’s farmer to feed more people with reduced environmental impact.
Yet, many wonder if the scientific community has assessed the safety of genetically modified crops. While some research has been done, and the overall safety of these foods has been assessed, more time is needed to judge whether there are long-term effects of consuming GMF’s.
Agriculture has had a profound impact on our environment. Traditional methods leech pesticides and herbicides into the soil and our water supply. Introduction of non-native crops can lead to invasive species of plants and pests and getting food to market increases the carbon footprint on our planet. An ever-growing population, many of those in poorer countries, leaves hunger on the table. GMF crops can put food on the table instead.
GMF crops are engineered and tailored for specific purposes. Some crops have a sterilization gene that renders the plant unable to reproduce. This lessens the chance of crops taking over the eco-system, especially when non-native species are brought into an area. This introduction of crops into areas that need food will improve localized farming without the danger of the crop taking over.
Other crops improve the vitamin or mineral content of crops, enriching the diets of those especially dependent on crops like rice. Adding crucial nutrients like vitamin A and D or iron at the genetic level reduces processes by not having to introduce them at a manufacturing level. This also allows local farmers to grow healthy crops for their surrounding areas.
Some GMF crops are engineered to grow in soils that have a high salt content or to be resistant to cold, allowing farming to occur in areas that normally would not support food production. Others have disease resistance incorporated into the plant, as opposed to spraying the plant in the field. This would greatly reduce the introduction of harmful chemicals into the ecosystem. Higher crop yields can be engineered and are also desired to increase production with less stress on the land and environment.
While more monitoring should be done and regulations need to be in place to protect consumers from potentially harmful effects, such as allergic reactions of GMF’s, the overall safety of these foods has been assessed. Using genetics replaces current methods to achieve the same end goal-feeding the world’s population. Benefits do not come without risks; however, with continuing efforts, a safe food supply can be obtained using genetically altered crops.
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