Genetically Modified Crops Pros and Cons List

Genetic modification has made rice capable of growing under extreme weather conditions, has added plants with extra vitamins and minerals, and made crops resistant or pesticides and herbicides. One example in particular, Swiss researchers were able to create a variety of rice that is rich in beta-carotene. How is that even possible? Another noteworthy example is Monsanto’s Roundup Ready corn. This strain can survive being sprayed with weed killers, enabling farmers to treat an entire cornfield with herbicides without killing their corn crops.

But are genetically modified crops safe? Experts have differing opinions. Industry and health leaders support the crop’s safety, citing hundreds of studies on animals that have eaten modified foods. Some experts, on the other hand, have a negative opinion. Sheldon Krimsky, a Tuft University Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning, has been very vocal in his objection on the use of genetically modified crops in his book of essays, “The GMO Deception”. Krimsky cited dozens of studies showing the bad effects of GMOs on the heart, liver, kidney and other organs.

Now, the question is, who should we listen to? Who is telling the truth? Should genetically modified crops – along with all those of years of research – be thrown out of the window? You be the judge.

List of Pros of Genetically Modified Crops

1. Improved quality and taste.
Genetic modification allows food flavors to become enhanced. Corn can become extra sweeter, peepers can become spicier, and bitter gourd can be palatable without losing its nutrients.

2. More disease resistant.
GMOs have better resistance to diseases, as well as pests. The modification give plants have their own vaccine only that the vaccine is encoded into them genetically.

3. Increased nutrients.
As mentioned earlier, genetic modification makes it possible to increase the vitamin- and mineral-content of foods, benefiting those who eat them. This benefit is especially important for food consumers in developing countries where people don’t always have access to essential nutritional resources.

List of Cons of Genetically Modified Crops

1. Environmental impact.
Combining different plant varieties that could never mate naturally in the wild and growing plants in environmental conditions that normally would not support them has the potential of damaging the environment. For example, the toxins released by GMOs into the soil may kill essential soil bacteria, making the soil dry and devoid of nutrients.

2. Increased allergic reactions.
Many studies have shown that consumption of genetically modified crops increases people’s risk of acquiring food-related allergies with symptoms include rashes, fatigue, nausea and headache.

3. Little to no economic value.
While they may be resistant to pesticides and herbicides and may contain more nutrients, GMO foods contribute little to farmers’ profit. For one thing, they take as much time to mature and as much effort to grow as the non-genetically modified crops.

Conclusion

So, are genetically modified crops a boon or bane? Does their value outdo the risk? Carefully weigh the pros and cons discussed above and be the better judge. This is especially if you are considering to use GMO plants.