The GM Decision

In Unit 3 of my Food, math and science course, we mainly studied genetics and how different genetics work, and probability. We also studied GMOs, which are genetically modified organisms, and how the organisms have been genetically engineered. For this action project, we had to  make an argument through presentation explaining if we are anti GMO, or if we are pro GMO. The purpose of this action project was to convince a group of people if they should be pro or anti GMO. I am pro GMO, because GM crops are cheaper to maintain, GM foods have lots of nutrition that can save many lives, and the yields are higher. I learned more than I could imagine. Genetics can be very interesting and complicated which I liked. What I am most proud of is choosing a side. because its a hard decision. I learned how to take in the facts and then make an argument.

Did you know that 2 million children die each year from malnutrition? That is horrible, but a way that we can stop this is by growing GM crops, which are genetically modified crops.

I am pro GMO because I believe GM crops can feed more people, and as a result, save people from malnutrition and famine. Also GM crops are faster to grow than organic, making it faster to feed people with malnutrition. I will be sharing with you three arguments that help back up my thesis:

1. GM crop yields are higher

2. They have more nutrition and with that can save lives.

3. GM crops are cheaper for the farmer.

GM crops are cheaper than organic products, and have higher yields. According to Monsanto, GM crops of corn, cotton, and soybeans in the U.S. have increased between 5 and 8 percent. These figures are much higher than organic crops which increase from 1 and 2 percent. Since GM crop yields are higher, their prices are cheaper. This means that more families can afford food.

GM crops can increase the nutrition in crops. Scientist have genetically modified food fruits and vegetables to offer high levels of antioxidant vitamins that help ward off cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, the golden rice, which is a GM rice, can help our bodies generate Vitamin A, which fights off blindness. Vitamin A deficiency kills 2 million children each year.

GM farmers will benefit from biotechnology. Biotechnology means when scientists uses special techniques to improve or modify crops or animals. With genetically engineered crops that can resist pests, many farmers can avoid losing money and crops. Also with weeds, farmers have to spray different types of herbicides many times. With GM crops farmer only have to spray one type of herbicides once, saving them money.

I am pro GMO because GM crop yields are much higher, making the food cheaper. When the food is cheaper, more families can afford the food. Also the food can saves lives by giving people who are malnourished the nutrients they need to survive. 2 million people die each year from a lack of vitamin A. Giving them the food they need at that affordable price can save many lives in the long run. It doesn't just benefit the public. It also helps the farmer save money, because they don’t need to buy all the herbicides to keep the crops safe from weeds. We need GM crops. Are you ready to save lives? Vote pro GM seeds today!

REFERENCES:

“GMOs are a key tool to addressing global hunger.” The Boston Globe. May 23, 2014. Retrieved 5-26-14

“Genetically Modified Organism.” Wikipedia. May 21, 2014. Retrieved 5-26-14

“Reasons We Do Need GM Foods: It Is About Improving Nutrition.” Monsanto, Beyond The Rows. April 1, 2009. Retrieved 5-27-26

“Ending World Hunger. The Promise of Biotechnology and Threat of Anti Science Zealotry.” Norman Borlaug. Plant Physiology. 2000. Retrieved 5-27-14

“Can GMOs Help End World Hunger.” John Robbins, Huffington Post. Oct 1, 2011. Retrieved 5-27-14

“Should We Grow GM Crops?” PBS. 2001. Retrieved 5-29-14