GMO Ethics

I think that the debate about the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is very interesting. We are looking to feed a constantly growing world population on top of climate change and misuse and waste in the food industry. I think this is a cross cutting issue on what is ethical, what is healthy, and also for analyzing huge technological developments that have the potential to be absolutely life-changing, or devastating to the world farm industry.

I agree with the points discussed in class that this is a development issue at the core. The South is now fast-tracking in development and GMOs are an easy way to curve the issues of not enough food and to make food accessible to a broader population. It is a matter of weighing socioeconomic risks versus agricultural productivity. However, I think that GMOs are an issue that spans through the first world as well. Here we are in America with money, technology, and talent, yet day after day our restaurants (mostly fast-food chains) are being reported for using chemicals and other unnatural ingredients to supplement their food. This can be seen recently with Subway. Despite claiming that they use natural ingredients, the polymer that is used yoga mats has been found in all of the “fresh” bread they make. I see a big issue in living in the most developed nation in the world, yet our bread is actually filled with plastic.

I think it is very interesting that the GMO seed is referred to as the “suicide seed.” It can solve the world’s food shortage problem, but it will also be the death of us as well. I think it is a morally stimulating debate to decide how to best go about using (or not using) GMOs. Supporters of GMOs are able to tell protesters that they are taking food out of the mouths of the hungry, who have no food at all. Protesters want the world to be fed, but they want it done by natural means. But that is expensive and will take decades to figure out. Could GMOs be a temporary solution? Potentially. Will we be addicted to them from the outset? Yes, as we have already seen. As much as I want all natural crops- I think it is morally tough to make a call on GMOs when you think that this could take away food supplies from millions of people, or make their food substantially more expensive. I don’t think there is an easy answer.

I do think that there can be a more grassroots approach to this as a global issues. The farmers should be the designers and businessmen/women behind crop growth- not multinational groups. I want to see a revival of natural farming and a culture shift. Once people truly understand the chemical effects of what they’re eating, chances are they won’t want to continue. But there has to be a basic structure in place. I took an AREC class my sophomore year and I recall that there is more than enough food in the world to feed every single person on the planet and then some, but food distribution and the politics behind that cause so much of the issues, along with developmental barriers and differences in policy for the global north and south. Perhaps it is socialist to say that ‘we need to share all the food with everyone in the world’ but once people are stable, they are often able to make a life for themselves.