The Social Impact of Genetically Modified Organisms and Crops

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“Man has been modifying plants for over 10,00 years” (Pechan 2005). Whether man has been cross breeding or modifying, this has always been our nature since the agricultural revolution for the convenience of the farmer and the consumer. One such example of this modification is that of the potato. Potatoes have many cousins that can live in many different elemental conditions as well as have different shapes, sizes and taste (Pechan 2005). However, that process through breeding different plants is an ineffective way to farm for the convenience of the farmer and the industry as a whole. What this led to in recent times is what is called “biological technology”, or “Genetically Modified Organisms” (GMOs). The meaning of a GMO is that “scientists select one or a few genes from other organisms that have been studied previously and added into a specific living plant cell that can be regenerated into a whole plant” (Pechan 2005). However, GMO are not limited only to plants, but animals as well (Otero 2008). With current technology, scientist can now modify organisms manually so that they can have enhanced taste, repel bugs and viruses, be ingredient specific, and even better for health (Pechan 2005). With animals, GMOs can enhance the rate of growth and number (Otero 2008). However, this has turned into an ethical problem in regards to the principle of justice, human welfare, and human rights in regards to plants (Tao 2003). With GMOs, in regards to animals, it becomes an issue regarding animal rights. There is a social impact that GMOs have on people in regards to human health, environmental implications, and globalization. First off, there is a social impact that GMOs have on people in regards to human health. The significance of this ... ... middle of paper ... ...afety-info.net/file_dir/636734788522ef1a450513.pdf#page=34 Ganiere, P, Chern, W, Hahn, D, & Chiang, F. (2004). Consumer Attitudes towards Genetically Modified Foods in Emerging Markets: The Impact of Labeling in Taiwan. Iama. Retrieved From: http://core.kmi.open.ac.uk/download/pdf/6449315.pdf Otero, G. (2008). Food for the Few: Neoliberalism Globalism and Biotechnology in Latin America. Books.Google.com. Retrieved From: http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UAbQeDPaZC8C&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=GMO+sociological+impact&ots=GdVM15bjvj&sig=Rb-1GLQFv0xBWHTSmdHYsLny1tQ#v=onepage&q=GMO%20sociological%20impact&f=false Pechan, P. & Vries, G. (2005). Genes on the Menu: Facts for Knowledge-based Decisions. Berlin: Springer. Tao, Z, & Shudong, Z. (2003). The Economic and Social Impact of GMOs in China. Chinaperspective. Retrieved From: http://chinaperspectives.revues.org/359

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