Running head: BEETING THE CONTROVERSY 1

Beeting the Controversy

Shawn Walker

April 4, 2016

ENG 301

Brother Watson

BYU-Idaho
BEETING THE CONTROVERSY 2

Abstract

Genetically modified organism crops are a highly misunderstood, but crucial, aspect of the future

of both the agricultural world, as well as of the daily life of all people. These GMO crops are

improving the quality as well as the productivity of most crop yields. Genetically modified

organism crops, also known as GMO crops, are tailor made organisms that display or conceal

specific characteristics. This means that they are genetically engineered or altered using

biotechnology to develop in specific ways. The use of GMO crops has allowed the agricultural

world to increase the scale of farms, and also allows them to present a more reliable crop to the

consumer. However, much of the world is conflicted over the acceptance or rejection of GMO

crops due to their discomfort of genetic modification. Through published research and reputable

sources this paper will explain the importance of genetically modified crops in the world today.

Necessary background information, specific examples, and the opposing opinions will all be

discussed.

Keywords: genetically modified crops, genetically engineered, biotechnology,

bioengineering
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Beeting the Controversy

The Era of Genetically Modified Crops

We live in a world where people fear the unknown. In the agricultural world one topic

that is very unfamiliar to most people is the subject of genetically modified crops or GMO crops.

Technology has allowed for the advancement in almost every field of study. Each of these new

advancements has been faced with opposition. GMO crops are among the ideas that are being

tested. With the millennial trends of organic and natural GMO crops are facing a large

amount of adversity to prove their importance. However, from the examples of previous ideas

the world can see that many of the advancements that were questioned at first have now been

accepted and adopted into daily life. It is important for each individual to make their own fact-

based opinion on GMO crops, due to the fact that GMO crops are becoming more common in the

daily lives of most people. The GMO crops that are harvested are not only fresh produce, but

they are also used in many packaged and processed foods throughout the average grocery store,

as well as in many other household products. By gaining understanding of GMO crops the

consumer can better understand what they are purchasing and what benefits they are gaining.

Background

Definition of Key Terms:

According to the World Health Organization genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

can be defined as organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that

does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination (WHO, 2016.) In other words

GMO crops are plants that have elements of their original DNA modified to cause improvements

in certain areas. Scientists are able to isolate specific characteristics within an organisms DNA

and alter them through genetic engineering to express or repress those characteristics. Genetic
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engineering is the science of making changes to the genes of a plant or animal to produce a

desired result (Merriam, Webster, 2015). Whenever genetic engineering is discussed the term

bioengineering is not far behind. The two are closely linked. The term biotechnology refers to

any technique that uses living organisms, or parts of these organisms. Such techniques are used

to make or modify products for a practical purpose (Greenfacts, 2016). These are the

fundamental terms when dealing with GMO crops. Other important terms regarding GMO crops

include low tillage, which the act of minimally disturbing soil structure, and soil erosion, which

is the wearing down of the topsoil layer through excessive exposure to elements and tillage.

Historical Background:

Since the discovery of DNA, scientists have been experimenting with ways to alter the

genetic make of an organism in order to make improvements. According to an article written on

the origins of GMO crops the 1980s marked the scientific discovery that specific pieces of

DNA could be transferred from one organism to another. This became the basis of the genetic

modification process (Cramer, 2001). After which scientists began experimenting with specific

crop species. The first crop to be successfully tested and produced was antibiotic resistant

tobacco in 1983, followed by cotton in 1990. In 1995 Monsanto, one of the forefront biotech

companies, created the round-up ready line of GMO crops. These are among the most popular

found GMO crops today. Since 1983 many crops have been successfully converted to GMO

crops. At the end of the year 2014 there were 181.5 million hectares of GMO crops globally,

with a little over 70 million hectares in the United States alone (Statista, 2014). The most

common GMO crops today are cotton, soybeans, maize, sugars beets, alfalfa, canola, and squash.

Research Background:
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The development of GMO crops stem directly from the basic research that was

performed on genetics in the late 1800s. In 1863 Gregor Mendel, The Father of Genetics,

crossbred peas which lead to the discovery of genes and gene transference; this is the foundation

of all genetic research. Since Mendels discovery, gene research and modification has been used

to transform almost every element of human life such as: medicine, heredity, disease treatment,

as well as animal and crop improvements. Countless amounts of money and numerous scientists

are devoted to the study of genetics. There is not part of life that has not been affected by

genetics in some way.

Argument

As stated above much of the world is hesitant when it comes to GMO crops, despite the

crucial impact that they have on both agricultural practices and everyday human life. Most

concerns about genetically modified crops come from the consumers lack of understanding and

knowledge about GMO crops. Many consumers have based their opinions on the

misunderstandings and thoughts of others, instead of facts and proof. In order to form a credible

opinion on a subject, fact based knowledge and basic understanding is necessary. Some of the

key concerns about GMO crops will be discussed below such as: the basic facts about GMO

crops, the regulations placed on GMO crops, the benefits, the research and statistics, and specific

examples.

The Basics

As said by Bill Lambrecht, an award wining correspondent, a genetically modified

organism, which is what you get when you move genes across that traditional species boundaries

of plants and animals in the quest for new traits (Lambrecht, 2001). Genetically modified

organism crops, are plants whose genetic make up has been studied and researched for flaws.
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The purpose of GMO crops is to produce an enhanced, safer, and more productive crop. The

changes that are being made to certain crops are being done to improve the basic structure of the

plant that is already in place.

In Lambrechts well supported book he explains that, the vast majority of these crops

have genes inserted for two traits: herbicide tolerance, which enables plants to withstand

sprayings of proprietary herbicides, primarily Monsanto-created roundup formulations; and

insect resistance, which equips plants with the gene of bacterium so that they produce a protein

that is fatal to pests (Lambrecht, 2001). This quote illustrates the point that mutant plants are

not being produced, but that organic forms of plants are being improved to withstand many of

the fatal conditions that lead to plant destruction and yield loss.

It is also important to note that these improvements are being made due to the potential

risks and dangers that could affect humans if the plants were untreated. GMO crops allow for

fewer pest/herbicides to be used during the crops growth, and they also reduce the amount of

insects that infect the food. These chemicals are potentially harmful to humans; through the use

of GMO research the exposure to both of these has been decreased. Due to genetic modification

these crops have not only become safer for consumption, but they also offer a better crop with an

increased overall yield at a lower cost to farmers. It was suggested by Lambrecht that,

Companies bringing these genetic technologies tell us that modified foods are simply a natural

progression of a science, classical breeding, begun when a shy, portly Austrian monk, Gregor

Mendel crossed round peas with wrinkled peas, tall plants with dwarfs (Lambrecht, 2001).

Lambrechts quote feeds the human theme of evolving to survive; the improvements being made

to better plants allows for a customized crops specific to improving human life today.

Regulations
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When it comes to genetically modified organism crops a large amount of research has

been done, and still continues to be done today. In order for a GMO crop to be created, tested,

grown, and distributed the crop must first be thoroughly researched for effectiveness. The health

benefits and risks are also taken into account. GMO crops are subjected to a higher level of

scrutiny than organic crops as explained by the U. S. Farmers and Research Association. They

stated, on average, each GM seed variety takes an average of $136 million and 13 years to bring

to market because of the research, safety studies and regulatory approval process necessary. No

other type of new seed that comes to market from other breeding methods goes through approval,

including the thousands of conventional and organic seeds developed from mutagenesis. Only

GMOs are required to be reviewed (U.S. Farmers and Research Association, 2015). The

organizations that approve and manage GMO crops are the Food and Drug Administration

(FDA), Environmental Projection Agency (EPA), and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Each of these associations are responsible for monitoring specific aspects of GM crops such as

pesticides, toxins, safety for human and animal consumption, need for crop type, and validation

of research and results.

Genetically modified crops do not only need approval on a national level, but also a

global level. The World Health Organization stated: GM foods currently available on the

international market have passed safety assessments and are not likely to present risks for human

health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption

of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved (WHO,

2016). The government of each country controls the crops that are grown and sold both with in

the border of the U.S. and also those imported. Not all countries currently grow GMO crops.

However, countries which have legislation in place focus primarily on assessment of risks for
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consumer health. Countries which have regulatory provisions for GM foods usually also regulate

GMOs in general, taking into account health and environmental risks, as well as control- and

trade-related issues (WHO, 2016). The countries that sanction the growth of GMO crops also

strictly monitor and control the crops that are imported and exported to other countries. Dr.

Matin Qaim, a Professor of International Food Economics explained, governments have a

responsibility for ensuring that foods are safe for consumption and that new agricultural inputs

do not damage the environment or harm agricultural production. Most countries require GM

products be approved before they may be grown, consumed, or imported (Qaim, 2010). This

statement helps to alleviate the fears that many have of unmonitored crop growth and

distribution. GMO crops are among the most carefully and strictly monitored crops produced.

Based upon the stipulations and requirements that GMO crops must adhere to, the FDA

released a statement confirming the safety of those crops they oversee. According to the FDA

scientific review continues to show that all bioengineered foods sold here in the United States

today are as safe as their nonbioengineered counterparts (Lambreacht, 2001). This statement

acts as evidence that GMO crops have successfully achieved a safe and effective product for the

human population.

Benefits

The growth of crops regardless of their type requires the use of chemicals and fertilizers

that have an impact on the growth and quality of the plant. Through the use of GMO crops the

amount of these chemicals used has been decreased. The GM crops have a herbicide tolerance

which means that the GM crop can be sprayed with a broad range herbicide that will kill most

types of weeds. The main types of this are ammonium glyphosate, marketed as roundup by

Monsanto. Both are regulated (Toke, 2004). This means that they have developed a crop that
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can be sprayed with one type of chemical used to decrease insect and weed growth without

sustaining damage or corruption to the crop. Non-GMO crops routinely require multiple sprays,

3 or more, to gain a portion of the protection that GMO crops attain. As stated by Dave Toke, a

well-published researcher and lecturer, herbicide tolerant GM crop regimes herbicides need

only to be sprayed once or twice a year. Herbicides like Monsantos roundup are broad

spectrum herbicides which kill practically all types of weeds (Toke, 2004). This statement

reiterates the point that these crops are being exposed to a significantly decreased amount of

potentially harmful chemicals. By reducing the amount of chemicals that are used on crops, the

exposure risks is significantly decreased for agriculture workers, their families, and the

consumers of the crops.

The production of viable crops is heavily affected by the condition of the soil. Through

the use of GM products farmers are able to improve systems of weed control, therefore allowing

low tillage agriculture which can, in turn, avoid soil erosion (Toke, 2004). This type of

farming allows for more nutrients to remain in the ground due to the fact that farmers are able to

decrease mechanical weeding. These nutrients are then in turn taken into the crops. The

chemicals addressed in the pervious paragraph can also take a toll on the soil. Another benefit

that comes from the use of low tillage is controlling farm runoff that otherwise pollutes water

systems, associated with reduced spraying of chemical insecticides and highly toxic herbicides

(Toke, 2004). From the previous quotations evidence is given that shows how GMO crops offer

more benefits than just the crops that are produced, but also healthier soil and cleaner water.

Statistics

Through the use of statistical analysis we can see further evidence that shows the benefits

of GMO Crops. Current statistical reviews show an increasing amount of GMO crops being
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grown globally. The use of herbicide tolerant crops has risen from 56 percent in 2001 to 89

percent in 2015 (USDA, 2015). The use of insect resistant crops has increased from 37

percent in 2001 and 84 percent in 2014 and in 2015 (USDA, 2015). These two statistics further

prove the movement in support of the use and consumption of GMO crops. These statistics

remain in the same pattern when discussing global trends of GMO crops.

The amount of GMO crops grown is not the only statistic that matters when it comes to

GMO crops. As earlier explained herbicides and chemical use has been reduced to nearly one

third in GMO crops. The increased amount of crop yield is another crucial aspect that needs to

be addressed. Farmers earn their living based on the amount of viable crops they produce.

According to a University study conducted in 2014, GM technology increased crop yields by 22

percent, reduced pesticide use by 37 percent, and increased farmer profits by 68 percent

(Bennett, 2014). The sustainability of agriculture is an issue that concerns the entire world. If

farmers are unable to produce quality crops humankind will starve. These statistics further show

that the agriculture future is heading towards the use of GMO crops.

Proof

One specific example of a successfully used GMO crops is the Roundup ready sugar

beet. Monsanto, the forefront biotech company mentioned above, created this GMO crop. The

Roundup Ready sugar beet was introduced in the 2008-2009 crop season. The main reason for

their production was due to the industrys desire for a better weed control option that would

help them to remain competitive (Pierson, 2008). This type of sugar beet allows farmers to

reduce the amount of herbicides they use as well as the amount of mechanical weeding they have

to do. The Sugar Industry Biotech Council confirmed the benefits of this crop by stating, fewer

trips across the field mean reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced soil erosion, reduced soil
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compaction and enhanced water conservation. These sugar beets are helping growers manage

weeds, improve productivity and lessen impacts on the environment, while preserving a

sustainable and geographically diverse supply of sugar (Sugar Industry Biotech Council, 2015).

The facts make Roundup Ready beets a more environmental friendly choice in crop

production. The Monsanto Roundup Ready sugar beet account for approximately 20 percent

of the worlds production of sugar (Monsanto, 2015). The Roundup ready beet has been the

most rapidly accepted GMO crop in history and continues to grow in popularity due to their

weed control, increased growth, and decreased labor costs.

Another crucial ability that GMO sugar beets offer is an alternative sweetener. A new

advancement in GMO crop study is that they have developed a new sugar beet that produces

fructan, a low calorie sweetener, by inserting a single gene from Jerusalem artichoke that

encodes an enzyme for converting sucrose to fructan (Heller, 2006). This allows the crop to

produce a healthier option to sugar.

Opposing View

In order to gain a well-rounded understanding the consumer also needs to understand

what opposition is being presented in regards to GMO crops. The main concerns about GMO

crops deal with health risks, safety of the crop itself, and the cost associated with GMOs. One

GMO crop challenger explained GMO crops is this way: We risk potential health,

environmental, and agronomic calamities just so that a handful of corporations can sate their

voracious appetite for profit by patenting the seeds of the very goods we eat, and then go on to

control the global food chain (Rees, 2006). Many of the claims in this statement can be refuted

due to the evidence that has been presented on decrease environmental influence, and also the

decreased use of pesticides on GMO crops. The only health risk is the actual use of herbicides or
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pesticides, which is necessary for a healthy crop to be produced. However, many GMO crops

are requiring a significantly less amount of herbicides and pesticides to protect the crop. This

shows that the GMO crops are actually healthier and less exposed to harmful chemicals. Rees is

right, however, that those who created the GMO crops stand to make a large amount of money,

but the money is used to further create and promote safe GM foods.

Another driving factor behind the opposition of GMO crops is the lack of understanding

on the consumers part. According to one study US consumers routinely purchase food

containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) without much thought or discussion of this

facts (Toke, 2004). Without a basic understanding of the products they are purchasing the

consumer has no way of knowing what to believe and what information to trust.

An additional issue that plays into the ignorance of the consumer is the ability to market

the product. In this era trends are pushing consumers towards an organic lifestyle, thus creating

a negative association towards biotechnology and genetic engineering. Dave Toke explained

marketing GMO crops in this way: Making GM crops that give consumer advantages, for

example, better nutritional value, is rather more complicated than it appears. Not only do you

have you to market the product in such a way to persuade the consumer that the product is good

for them, but you also have to blend characteristics for the consumer benefit with characteristics

that favor competitive levels of yield (Toke, 2004). In this comment Toke is implying the fact

that marketing GMO crops requires the consumer to see past the conspiracy and look at the

actual product. This does prove to be a struggle in the millennial generation, which seeks for the

seal of approval concerning organic and natural products. This is one of the biggest obstacles that

GMO crop producers face. Bill Lambrecht further supported Tokes assumption stating: With

so many foods modified so soon, the creators of genetically modified food have led us to believe
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that the march of biotechnology us unstoppable. A backlash against GMOs has sprouted, rooted

in worries about safety; about control; about new technology with the power to reorder the

building blocks of life (Lambrecht, 2001). In order for GMO crops to be accepted the producers

need to make a greater effort to show the strengths and benefits of these genetically engineered

crops.

Conclusion

Not only the future of agriculture, but also humanities way of life depends on the

advancement of biotechnology. The world has been given an enormous ability to sustain life

though the use of GMO crops. The consumer can no longer sit on the sidelines trusting the

opinions of others; GMO crops are improving both food and commercial products throughout the

world. The consumer needs research the incredible opportunity that is in front of them. The

benefits of GMO crops far out weigh the risks that have been conspiratorially designed to scare

the population into rejecting them. A healthier, safer, and more economical option, GMO crops,

sits in front of everyone waiting to be accepted and enjoyed.

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References

Bennett, D. (2014, November 19). GMO crops increase yields, benefit the environment | Genetic

Literacy Project. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

https://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/2014/11/19/gmo-crops-increase-yields-benefit-

the-environment/

Cramer. (2001). History of Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

http://www.globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange2/current/workspace/sect008/s8g5/hist

ory.htm

Greenfacts. (2016). Genetically Modified Crops. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

http://www.greenfacts.org/en/gmo/

Heller, K. (2006). Genetically engineered food: Methods and detection. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.

Lambrecht, B. (2001). Dinner at the new gene cafe: How genetic engineering is changing what

we eat, how we live, and the global politics of food. New York: St. Martin's Press.

Merriam, & Webster. (2016). Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic engineering

Monsanto. (2015). Products. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

http://www.monsanto.com/products/pages/roundup-ready-sugarbeets.aspx

Pierson, P. E. (2008). Roundup Ready Sugar beet - Bringing Biotech Traits to Specialty Crops.

Retrieved April 2, 2016, from http://ncwss.org/proceed/2008/abstracts/093.pdf

Qaim, M. (2010, April 2). The Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops-and the Costs of

Inefficient Regulation. Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

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http://www.rff.org/blog/2010/benefits-genetically-modified-crops-and-costs-inefficient-

regulation

Rees, A. (2006). Genetically modified food: A short guide for the confused. London: Pluto Press.

Statista. (2016). Acreage of genetically modified crops by country 2014 | Statistic. Retrieved

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modified-crops-by-country-since-2003/

Sugar Industry Biotech Council. (2015). Roundup Ready Sugar Beets. Retrieved April 02, 2016,

from http://www.sugarindustrybiotechcouncil.org/sugar-industry/roundup-ready-sugar-

beets

Toke, D., & Taylor, A. (2004). Politics of GM Food: A Comparative Study of the UK, USA, and

EU (Routledge research in environmental politics; 6). Routledge.

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GMOs? Retrieved April 02, 2016, from

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for-gmos

USDA. (2015, July 9). USDA ERS - Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the U.S.:

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us/recent-trends-in-ge-adoption.aspx

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modified-food/en/