THE ADVANCE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD IS INCREASING

THE ADVANCE OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD IS INCREASING

Alarms about a global food crisis are growing by the day. In a context of wars, especially Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, coupled with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the expectation of an economic recession, many countries have been forced to review their policies on GM foods.

According to UN estimates, 1.7 billion people in 100 countries will be affected by Ukraine’s dwindling grain supply this year, as the country is considered the “breadbasket” of Europe. However, this goes beyond the old continent as, post-pandemic, the number of food insecure people has risen to 276 million.

This, coupled with impending climate change that also puts crops at risk, has put GM foods at the centre of the conversation. These, also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), can be an alternative to secure food amidst adverse conditions.

 

What are GM foods and why are they controversial?

GM foods are foods whose genetic material has been deliberately altered, and which are not one that is likely to be produced naturally through breeding or selection. These modifications are usually obtained by introducing genetic material from one species into the genome of another xnxx.

There are different foods that have been modified, one of the best known of which is Bt maize. To achieve this, the gene of a bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis, is introduced, with the aim of making it resistant to certain types of pests, and therefore, it lasts longer. This maize is marketed in the United States.

What are GM foods and why are they controversial?

The controversy surrounding GM foods lies in their environmental impact. Once genetically modified seeds are used on a field, they cannot be used again without modification. And it is possible that, if these areas are not controlled, the planting of GM food will cause soil disturbance.

As most GM foods are intended to withstand heavy herbicide use, their use can have undesirable effects. For example, new “superweeds,” which are extremely resistant to herbicides, have been found in the United States and have impacted millions of acres in 22 states.

On the other hand, there are concerns that such foods may increase allergies or the risk of cancer or other diseases. On this issue, it can be said that research has been inconclusive, while voices within biotechnology defend its effectiveness in helping crops grow faster and even safer.

 

Why might the EU change its position on GM food?

In several countries the use of GMO foods is widespread, such as in the US, Brazil, Canada and India. Others are also beginning to lift regulations, such as Kenya and Colombia. However, the European Union is very wary of GM foods and their use is regulated by the European Regulation 1829/2003 on genetically modified foods.

In most EU member states, GM crops are banned, but pro-biotech voices claim that these bans are made for non-scientific reasons or under dubious research. Even so, the EU’s stance on GM crops is taking a turn.

In March, the EU approved the use of GM soy, rapeseed and cotton crops for the food and feed sectors, prompted by uncertainty over the invasion of Ukraine. Another country that could also change its position is the United Kingdom, especially after its independence following Brexit.

Although this position on GMOs is “transitional,” and only for grain exports in the context of the war, it may be the first step towards greater tolerance of this technology. After all, the climate crisis could also pose an obstacle to food security.

 

 

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Brexit and GMO Farming in Great Britain

Genetically modified crops are strictly regulated in Europe. However, Brexit might bring a change to the old continent. Since Great Britain is leaving the European Union, there will be more opportunities for the local farmers to grow GMO products. GMO farming is beneficial for the climate, and it is significantly cheaper than the conventional or organic farming. Great Britain will take a huge leap forward in terms of domestic agriculture.

The response from the government

As soon as the Brexit occurred, the government started to discuss the future of the domestic agriculture. Since trading with the European Union might be a bit difficult in the future, the focus should be on growing their own products and distributing it locally. George Eustice, the Minister of Agriculture told the press that Brexit will certainly create more opportunities for loosening up the GMO regulations and modifying the existing laws which are prohibiting the mass production of genetically modified crops. However, the government will be examining the results from various scientific researches and change the law accordingly.

The possible risk?

Even though European Union did allow genetically modified maize to be cultivated within its borders, farmers seemed to remain indecisive. Yes, there are plenty of controversies revolving around genetically modified organisms, but there are so many studies out there which prove that they are not dangerous for either humans or animals.

Additionally, growing genetically modified crops will increase the profits and yield more products. Plus, it is saving the environment because the usage of pesticides is reduced. The opposition in GB claims that growing genetically modified crops next to organic farms will have a negative impact on the organic produce.

Peter Melchett who works for Soil Association opposes genetically modified crops and states that contamination is very possible, which might lead to low quality organic foods that will be filled with various chemicals brought over there by insects and other animals. Once it happens, local farmers will be at loss. Plus, the organic food would be imported from the mainland Europe.

USDA did conduct a couple of researches that dealt directly with cross contamination and discovered that the interaction between GMO and organic farms is pretty small. Surely, it is hard to control the process of porno gratis pollination, but the scientists couldn’t find any direct signs of GMO contamination on the organic fruits and vegetables. Therefore, GMO and organic fields can safely exist side by side.

The future of farming in Great Britain

The Ministry of Agriculture is still very open to suggestions and they look forward to discussing all the possibilities that might be beneficial to both farmers and consumers. The fact that they will not be a part of European Union certainly does open various doors for genetically modified crops. Great Britain might become the first European country that fully accepted and legitimized the GMO products. Surely, the government will be working closely with the scientists and researchers who will provide them with enough information in order to make the right choice. All in all, this can spark the discussion all over the continent and we might even see a change of hearts in Europe.