Is agribusiness a good thing or a bad thing? To define agribusiness, it is agriculture conducted on commercial principles, especially using advanced technology. For example, science can modify a seed to make it a hybrid of itself or they can inject hormones in dairy cows to make them produce more milk. While most critics think that it’s not right for science to genetically modify our crops or animals, supporters think it is good for the ever growing population. I am still on the fence about agribusiness, but there are two sides to every story.
Many critics say that agribusiness can have a negative effect on the population. There are speculations that the hormones injected into cows, chickens, and pigs can be harmful to us. Some people in the
…show more content…
This hormone was invented by a company called Monsanto to make the dairy cows increase their output of milk. It is said that no one knows the effect that it can have on humans; however some veterinarians say it has a negative effect on the cows (Barlett and Steele, 2008). The veterinary drug report said that this hormone can cause an infection in the cow’s udders. The infection caused by bacteria can release infectious fluid that may be pumped out along with the milk. There has been an ongoing war between Monsanto and farmers who do not use this hormone. The farmers who do not use this hormone label their milk carton as such, which makes Monsanto look bad. Monsanto wants all the labels to be the same, so consumers do not know whether the dairy cow received hormones or not. Many consumers prefer to have the labels on all products. They believe they should know whether they are drinking milk that was injected with hormones or not. The other negative thing that could be said about agribusiness is the amount of fertilizer used. Fertilizer use in moderation can be helpful; however, that is not always the rule. All life depends …show more content…
The business, Monsanto, who was featured in the negative part of agribusiness, developed a seed technique. This seed technique creates a genetically modified seed that will not die by weed killer. The farmers can spray their crops without worrying about killing their crops. Monsanto has made genetically modified seeds for soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton to date. With these genetically modified seeds, farmers do not have to worry about some of their crop dying when herbicides and insecticides are applied. The seeds help ensure a higher yield every time. I agree with the supporters on this one. I know that our population is growing and I do not want to be without
There are many issues regarding the raising and producing of various livestock animals, and the use of pesticides on various types of crops. The movie Food.Inc does a good job explaining these issues, but in a very biased way. It makes agriculturists look like terrible people, when this is not the case.
A growing issue in the world today is the use of antibiotics and growth hormones in animal production industry. However, for over sixty years Americans have been exposed to hormones on a regular basic when they consume beef. (Organic Consumer Association) On average eighty percent of all feedlot cattle are given hormones to help them grow at an increased rate. (Communication Foundation) “In 1988 the European Union banned the use of all hormone growth promoters.” (Organic Consumer Association)
Monsanto is a Saint Louis Chemical manufacturer that is a major player in the weed killing business. Monsanto has quite a portentous past. They developed and produced the notorious defoliant "Agent Orange" used in the Vietnam War, they invented the controversial recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH), and they were the inventors and world’s main producer of polychlorinated biphenols (PCB’s) which are now banned but still linger in our soil and water (Arax, 1997).
People say that the synthetic hormones could cause many human health risks, ranging from early puberty to cancer which causes two0thirds of Americans to worry about the use of the synthetic growth hormones in cattle operations. There are also many people that are worried that the use of antibiotics for treating bacteria on farms could cause the drugs to become resistant to the bacteria, which also infect humans. It is said that hormones are used more in the beef cattle operations than in dairy cattle operations.
Since the end of WW2, the policies of farm and agriculture have changed dramatically. Essentially the changes that has occurred allowed bigger farming corporations to gain in power over the local farm owner and added to the struggles of the local farmers. The corporations have consolidated the food system that idealizes/glorifies junk food to the public, and the money it has garnered allows them significant lobbying power to alter the market as they seem fit.
Do you know how factory farms affect your health, the world around you, and your children 's future? Factory farms are one of the major leading causes of pollution ,which causes a great amount of problems. The animals produced by the masses on these factory farms are extremely exploited and treated inhumanely. The methane from tons of animal manure is causing detrimental global warming. Global warming is affecting much more than the temperature, its damaging crops, species of animals are going extinct, and humans are having health problems. Raising livestock requires a great amount of land ,including animal habitats and rainforests that used to nourish the planet. Factory farms have the U.S. food production
If we also make more of our food on farms, we can get more people to get jobs. GM critics also worry that transgenic crops could harm wildlife and cause lasting damage to fragile food chains. GM crops harm wildlife and wildlife. Since some birds and small mammals feed on these crops, they will soon disappear. They will disappear because they are making the crops pest resistant.
Genetically modified foods are developed by combining genes from two different organisms which alters it's DNA and do not occur naturally. Biotechnology is relatively new so like most people, I turned to research to argue this issue with facts. In my opinion, genetically modifying foods have more harmful effects than they do beneficial. I am against their use because it creates safety risks for our health and animals, it can damage the environment and we have to deal with the total costs.
...ate, this was deemed by the European Union to be “dangerous to the environment.” It produces super weeds that require higher toxic chemicals, deplete soil quality, and affect wildlife along with non-pest population. Even though these studies were made of glyphosate, bio tech companies were still claiming that their product was “biodegradable”, “safe with low toxicity”, and stating that “it leave the soil clean after use.” These were clear and false claims that were immediately called out by the French Union. Another important environmental risk is the fact that since these GMO crops have foreign DNA in them, it is unknown exactly how they will react in the environment around them or how they will affect the current population of species. It is evident that these crops are uncontrollable and are a mutation that will have some sort of effect on the world around them.
... can lead to negative feedback, which can be dangerous because it signals the glands to stop the production of the hormone. The body will become dependent on the synthetic hormone that is being consumed by food, and it can cause severe health threats to humans. Although, the Food and Drug Administration states that hormones and antibiotics are not problematic to humans, researchers state the contrary. Europe banned U.S. imported meat from their country, this is perfect example of the danger that these toxic foods can do to humans. This issue is mainly in the United States, but people all over the world are also being affected. Conclusively, synthetic hormones implanted in the animals we eat and pesticides and herbicides used in the crops are dangerous hazards to the human body, which can result in tremendous health issues by tempering with the hormones homeostasis.
Not only is nonorganic food not as nutritious as organic food, even though they are made with hormones and special pesticides, it is due to the very hormones and pesticides they use to make them that some people can get sick and develop health issues like cancer. In an effort to make cows grow bigger and faster for a quicker rate of meat production, estrogen is given to them at an early age to quicken the process. However, as studies showed, when people consume such estrogen-infected meat, women in particular, showed signs of developing breast cancer. Not to mention the rapid increase in puberty of children who drink milk, which also has estrogen and testosterone hormones in it. In studies conducted, it was noticed that children who drink this milk, which contains these hormones, were going through puberty at a young age. This being another reason why ...
There are some challenges that still need to be recognized. Some people may say that farmer’s markets aren't beneficial to the community because farmers could use GMO seeds or different pesticides in the growing process of the fruits and veggies. According to Seeds of Deception, “A GMO is the result of a laboratory process where genes from the DNA of one species are extracted and artificially forced into the genes of an unrelated plant or animal”. Many people prefer non GMO fruits and vegetables. “Many pesticides have estrogen like actions in the body (xenoestrogens) and may be linked to breast and uterine cancer as well as other chronic pain and health issues. This has been demonstrated in animal models," Bailey told Medical Daily. The goal of fruits and vegetables are to get healthy, but these GMO seeds and different pesticides could damage the nutrients in fruits and cause even further health
It is evident that the majority of American farmers utilize biotech seeds, because of the risks that the insect resistant and herbicide resistant traits help reduce. GMO's make the life of a farmer much easier as they do not have to worry about rushing to spray herbicides, to keep weeds out, or worrying about insects damaging crops and having to spray pesticides. For instance, Brian Scott a farmer in Indiana, when corn root worms starts indulging on his organic crops, the worms will cause a significant damage before he can react accordingly and eliminate the problem with the use of chemicals. These corn root worms won't affect Scott's insect resistant GMO corn because the pesticide is always in the plant. In addition, the GM corn was created only to harm a small group of insects and this allows for other beneficial insects to survive and assist the crops, since Scott did not have to spray pesticides. Farmers use GM crops mainly because of a reliability issue, not only are biotech plants easier to maintain, but they are less likely to cause a devastating loss. To a point where even insurance companies will provide farmers with lower premiums. Troy Rausch, another Indiana farmer, states "... when you're delayed by a couple weeks by rain like we were this year, the GM traits come in awfully handy for weed control". The GM traits are of much benefit to Rausch as they eliminate the need for him to utilize his time and combat against pesky weeds. The use of GMO's in the agricultural space eliminates many risks that would be common in conventionally bred
The issue of genetically modified food affects every one regardless of age, race or geographical location. You are what you eat. What a person puts into his or her body essentially impacts their health as a whole. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are found in almost every food except for whole, organic foods labeled as GMO free. Genetically altered foods have benefits and disadvantages. The choice of being an opponent or a proponent to genetically enhanced foods is ultimately up to the consumer. Seed producing companies such as Monsanto have a monopoly over how our food is produced and what is acceptable and safe for human and animal consumption. The lack of labeling of foods that contain GMOs sparks controversy with people who believe they have a right to know exactly what they’re eating and if it is safe for their health. This is an issue that affects any person eating food so it is important for one to know the pros and cons of GMOs. I will highlight the supporting arguments for genetically modified food and in contrast I will describe the risks associated with GMO consumption.
Biotechnology allows scientists to genetically engineer plants and animals for the human benefits. GMO may have had been originally developed for the people and their needs/desires, but the side effects are overlooked by the scientists and companies, causing the people to be treated like guinea pigs. Even if GMO brings awesome benefits for humans, if the side effects are to exist then there is a still a potential threat that the effects may harm the environment, health, and nature's balance.