Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 Committee: Food and

Agricultural Organization Topic: Genetically Modified Organisms Intro Hello delegates! My name is Marwan Salama and I am a senior at Cerritos High School. This is my fourth year involved in MUN and I have had many incredible experiences and learned many lessons as a result. Other than MUN, I am also Vice- President of the Cerritos HS California Scholarship Federation, and Treasurer of the Cerritos HS National Honor Society. I am also in The Cerritos HS marching band and Wind Symphony, performing in places like Carnegie Hall, New York and The Olympics in London, as well as in Paris, France. For me MUN has helped me develop not only as a student, but a leader and has shaped who I am today. The MUN program provides experiences and lessons no other club or class can offer. Prepare well and I hope you will learn a great deal in the upcoming conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at sal_marwan@yahoo.com . Background The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) established in 1943, has since then set its purpose as follows: raising levels of nutrition and standards of living of the peoples under their respective jurisdictions; securing improvements in the efficiency of the production and distribution of all food and agricultural products; bettering the condition of rural populations; and thus contributing towards an expanding world economy and ensuring humanity's freedom from hunger". With this in mind, a great issue arises compromising such priorities, including health and economic aspects, which is Genetically Modified Crops (GMCs). The FAO has recognized GMCs and GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in general as a global issue greatly in the heat of debate, as this issue can affect a wide variety of aspects including health safety (with things like toxins), moral complications (do we have the right to alter the genes of organisms), big company profits (how are small farmers able to thrive when competing against big name heap competitors), and more. GMCs are described as crops in which genes have been altered, if taken from another organism or made synthetically, using methods of genetic engineering. The purpose of this can vary from looks of the crop to profit. Genetic engineering is what causes our food products to look so large and vibrant, yet can also be used to improve the survival rate of the crop. Products like strawberries are altered to have better immunity from freezing, bringing more profit, as they can sell much cheaper. Genetic engineering in relation to crops is mostly used for soy, corn, and cotton, yet not restricted to any crop. More than 114 million acres of GMCs have been grown in each of the past years in more than 30 countries. The reason this is so controversial is because such genetic engineering is not 100% verified as safe. No consequences can be seen now, yet the issue is if side-effects can turn up eventually, or other toxins, allergic reactions, and more are significant enough to affect populations. Some countries have updated their GM regulations, yet many other countries have none, or have banned GMCs. Citizens have raised debate stating they deserve to know if crops have been genetically modified, yet some countries do not want to do so afraid it will affect profit. The great label it controversy is most relevant in developed countries, as some places like Great Britain have required their GMCs to be labeled, while other countries do not see it as a big enough issue. Greatly used for third-world hunger, authorities are in debate if feeding their people crops with

Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 unknown safety, or starving is the best thing. Genetically Modified Crops can prove very beneficial in terms of appearance, quantity, disease prevention, and profit, yet the issue of safety, religious beliefs, and the right to know what is genetically altered or not is at hand. U.N. Involvement On May 19th, 1999, ECOSOC officially recognized Genetically Modified Organisms, with all sub components to this including genetically modified crops, as an issue necessary to address at an international level, due to its possible effects to the environment, our health, and more. Taking the issue very seriously, the United Nations has since then set protocols, restrictions, regulations, and more, all for the well being of the environment, consumers, and countries, recognizing the necessity to effectively and safely distribute and produce such organisms. Adopted on January 29th, 2000, the Cartega Protocol on Biosafety went into force in September 11th 2003. Part of the convention on Biological diversity, this protocol acts as an international treaty to govern the movements of living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern biotechnology from one country to another. This protocol has exactly 156 signatories presented to the secretary general of the UN. Although the United Nations recognizes the possible risks of genetically modified organisms, it has officially recognized their benefits to environments and developing nations, along with its potential for developing and advancing due to modern technologies in resolution A/58/327 in 2003. With close association to the FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) has also recognized genetically Modified Crops and Organisms as an issue relevant to their cause, considering the certain health and environmental safety risks. Because of this, in the 53 rd World Health assembly the issue of genetically modified organisms was recognized and the committee concluded that transparency and procedures is necessary for such genetic engineering of organisms. As for the FAO itself, Biotechnology forums have been created to tackle specific aspects of biotechnology, and used as a guide of regulation for genetically modifies organisms. Such reforms and protocols are continuing to this day, issues to update countries of what they can and cant do concerning genetic technology, to enhance the benefits of GMCs, while eliminating issues ties with the topic. Previous Solutions As the topic of genetically modified crops has grown, so have both sides of the issue, whether supporting them or aiming at their elimination. Countries such as the UK have given consumers the right to know if the crops they are purchasing are genetically modified or not, while countries like Pakistan have denied their use and banned them from the country. While things like labeling can affect the economic profit of such produce, as genetically modified tends to repel customers, so have the bans of genetically modified crops. In Pakistan for example, such a ban has caused a black market of genetically modified seed and produce to grow (being much cheaper and easier to grow), yet negative effects are seen as produce spoils or turns out toxic and hazardous. For example, several acres of cotton turned red due to improper GM seeds, and the effects have devastated the lives of Pakistani farmers. Such countries banning or denying the purchase or use of genetically modified crops is often due to aspects ranging from religious denial, or health/safety concerns. Such countries have tried to publicize organic farming, such as the Navi organization in India, helping thousand of farmers become independent, yet this is often very difficult for others as organic seeds are much more

Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 expensive and more difficult to grow. Further publicizing of organic farming has increased, by teaching farmers new methods such as soil oxidation, new and cheap technologies, and more, yet spread and diffusion of such methods is difficult with the thousand of third-world farmers throughout the globe. Many Developed and under-developed countries have attained GM labs specifically for health and safety reasons, to ensure allergens, toxins, etc. are not being spread throughout these crops, yet modern day science is not enough to ensure of the safety of such genetically modified crops. Overall, we are not in a situation to ensure that GMCs are completely safe, yet modern science has allowed us to eliminate existing harmful substances to GMCs. The international community has yet to determine global regulations for GMCs, as labeling is voluntary, and the issue of harmful GM seeds and GM black markets is still at hand. Considering this, the debate over GMCs as a solution to famine, or a threat to health still continues. Bloc Positions African Bloc: Most African Nations are still using conventional farming and very limited Genetic technology with the exception of South Africa. This is due to the concern of political leaders with the safety of such GM foods, considering the limited nutritional supply in most African nations, risks of Gm foods are difficult to be accepted. Asian Bloc: In Asia however, more countries are for genetically modified crops, including The Philippines (great GMC market) and China (top ten producer of GM foods), yet countries like Japan and South Korea are more strict with their use and trade, with the exception of things like oil. Latin American Bloc: In Latin America, countries see Genetically modified crops as more of a food source than marketing option, as Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay are the top three producers of GMCs. Especially with crops such as corn and soy, more and more Latin American countries are seeing genetically modified crops as a famine solution, such as Mexico and Honduras. Middle Eastern Bloc: The Middle East, with exception to some religious issues, is a newer developer of genetically modified crops, as their GM food market is expanding, yet some countries still refuse to accept GMCs due to unknown health risks. While main crops such as corn and soy are big, the Middle East is still fairly new with GMCs. Western bloc: Producing more than half of the worlds genetically modified crops, the western bloc is in full support of GMCs and sees them as a solution to the growing hunger in nations. With the US as number one, genetically modified crops are continuously being researched and developed along with the European Union lifting any bans on GMCs. Points to Consider 1. Does your country support or go against the use of Genetic engineering and GMCs? 2. Are GMCs sufficient for solving the issues of world famines? 3. Does your country have any regulations/restrictions on GMCs? 4. If your country supports GMCs, how do you plan to ensure they are safe, if not, how do you plan to sufficiently solve the issues of hunger, and overcome obstacles in organic farming? 5. How has your country been involved in tackling the issues of GMCs? 6. Has your country taken part in any significant actions towards GMCs?

Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 7. How does your country plan to enforce GMC regulations, or do you plan to implement any at all? 8. Do consumers have the right to know what is genetically modified and what is not? Helpful Websites 1. http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0111sp.htm 2. http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/ 3. http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php 4. http://www.greenfacts.org/en/gmo/index.htm 5. http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/biotechcrops/ 6. http://www.globalissues.org/issue/188/genetically-engineered-food 7. http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/124/3/923.full

Bibliography 1. "20 Questions on Genetically Modified Foods." WHO. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/>. 2. "Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S." ERS/USDA Data. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/biotechcrops/>. 3. "The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety." The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.cbd.int/biosafety/background.shtml>. 4. "E/1999/31 E/CN.16/1999/9 Commission on Science and Technology for Development." UN News Center. UN. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.un.org/esa/documents/ecosoc/docs/1999/e1999-31.htm>. 5. "FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, for a World without Hunger." FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, for a World without Hunger. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.fao.org/>. 6. "Genetically Engineered Food." - Global Issues. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.globalissues.org/issue/188/genetically-engineered-food>.

Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 7. "Genetically Modified Crops and Developing Countries." Genetically Modified Crops and Developing Countries. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.plantphysiol.org/content/124/3/923.full>. 8. "Genetically Modified Crops." Scientific Facts on. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.greenfacts.org/en/gmo/index.htm>. 9. "Genetically Modified Crops: Will They Help or Hurt?" Strange Horizons Articles: , by Dawn Burnell. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.strangehorizons.com/2004/20041004/gmcrops.shtml>. 10. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful? Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php>. 11. "June 2008 Monthly Update: Genetically Modified Crops and the Future of World Agriculture | EarthTrends." June 2008 Monthly Update: Genetically Modified Crops and the Future of World Agriculture | EarthTrends. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://earthtrends.wri.org/updates/node/313>. 12. "Our Work." About IFPRI. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.ifpri.org/about/about_menu.asp>. 13. PBS. PBS. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/harvest/exist/>. 14. "PIRSA Genetically Modified Crops." Genetically Modified Crops. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/gmc>. 15. "Spotlight: Genetically Modified Crops." Spotlight: Genetically Modified Crops. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.fao.org/ag/magazine/0111sp.htm>. 16. "What Are Genes?" Genetic Engineering, GMO. Web. 23 May 2012. <http://www.sustainabletable.org/issues/ge/>.

Genetically Modified Organisms Cerritos High School Model United Nations October Conference 2012 Closing Remarks To sum it all up, this issue can be tackled in a great deal of ways, so put on your creative hats and make sure you all come to committee well researched and prepared. I wish you all good luck, and make sure you email me if you have any questions. See you all in committee!