Genetically Engineered Crops and the Third World

¶ … genetically engineered crops, or genetically modified (GM) foods, as they are often called. Specifically it will discuss why genetically engineered crops will help residents of the Third World. Ultimately, each year the world is generating too many people to feed adequately. Without the use of genetically engineered food, some people simply will not be able to survive. genetically modified foods offer an alternative for many people of the world, and many studies have shown they are not as harmful as some people imagine them to be.

Genetically modified foods are the wave of the future, they offer numerous benefits, and they should be available to Third World countries who hope to produce more food, live healthier lives, and improve their farming techniques to help them survive and thrive in a new millennium. Genetically modified foods are not fresh technology they have existed for many years. In fact, studies into genetically modifying plant crops began in the 1980s (Goldstein, and Goldstein 235).

Most people will agree they are extremely contentious -- partly because some people do not appreciate them, and partly because they are relatively new to the marketplace and many questions still need to be answered about their effects on people, the environment, and general health. Basically, genetically modified foods are foods or crops genetically altered through science. In essence, scientists transfer their DNA, or some of their specific genes, between one plant and another to create singular qualities, such as hardiness, etc.

This process takes the finest qualities of one plant and mates them with another to create a new sub-species or even species (Editors). If there were no need for genetically engineered foods, they would not exist. The World Health Organization (WHO) studies genetically modified foods and offers extensive information regarding these crops on their Web site. They note, "genetically modified foods are developed -- and marketed -- because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods.

This is meant to translate into a product with a lower price, greater benefit (in terms of durability or nutritional value) or both" (Editors). Because so many Third World nations constantly battle poverty, hunger, and poor health, genetically engineered crops seem especially valuable to them. Most GM crops are hardier than other crops, and more disease resistant, which is one of the main reasons scientists engineer them. This makes them better candidates for Third World agriculture because they are easier to grow.

Farmers do not need to spray these crops with a variety of pesticides and herbicides, which makes them cheaper to grow. In many Third World countries, agricultural techniques fall far short of modern technologies. Plants that are simpler and easier to grow make it easier for Third World farmers to grow more crops and trade in the world agricultural markets, even if they do not have the machinery and technologies available to farmers in advanced societies.

In addition, Third World farmers may be able to grow crops in areas previously unavailable for agriculture because of the plants' adaptability and hardiness. Authors Mark and Myrna Goldstein and Goldstein state, "by increasing a crop's ability to withstand environmental factors, growers will be able to farm in parts of the world currently unsuitable for crop production. Along with additional food, this could provide the economies of developing nations with much-needed jobs and greater productivity" (Goldstein, and Goldstein 239).

At a time when so many people in the world are going hungry, genetically engineered crops simply make good sense. Another compelling argument for genetically modified foods is the impact on the environment. As most farmers know, agricultural can take a terrible toll on the land. Such problems as erosion, runoff from chemicals polluting streams and ground water, and depletion of the land due to grazing and over planting are all environmental problems that have worldwide implications. GM crops offer several benefits to the environment.

Goldstein and Goldstein note, "Crops that have been genetically modified are often more resistant to disease and require a reduced level of insect control. Therefore, fewer acres need to be planted to reap the same amount of food" (Goldstein, and Goldstein 239). This in itself is a major benefit of these crops, but the idea that they can feed even more people by using the same square area for agriculture is another outstanding benefit.

Another writer notes, "In many parts of the world, nearly all potential arable land is now in use, hence increases in crop yields will have to be the main source of rising food output" (Bongaarts 576). GM crops are increasingly important in areas such as China and India who have burgeoning populations. Rice is one of these countries main staples, and scientists have worked on new strains of rice that are disease resistant and even contain more vitamins and minerals to ensure good health.

The health of residents of the Third World has historically been worse than residents of technologically advanced nations. The use of genetically engineered crops offers these people several health benefits. First, the success of these crops can ensure more food for those who need it most. In addition, many GM crops also carry higher amounts of certain vitamins and minerals. As residents consume the crops, they gain additional vitamins and minerals absent from their current diet, which offers them additional health and well being benefits.

Essentially, genetic engineering is cross breeding of two plants or animals to produce a stronger, healthier specimen. Scientists and farmers have been doing this successfully for years outside the laboratory. The issue most people have with GM crops is that they are artificially manipulated in the lab, and that DNA and genes are involved. In a sense, the scientists are "tinkering" with the very fiber of life. However, they are only doing what farmers have been doing for centuries when they developed new breeds of animals and plants.

Genetic engineering simply takes this process one step further and does it more scientifically. With all the testing genetically modified foods receive; they are some of the safest foods on the market. Creating new and more competitive strains is simply good sense for a modern, changing world. Finally, genetically engineered foods were never simply tossed into the marketplace without rigorous testing and scientific study. Authors Goldstein and Goldstein quote the FDA Web site, "Tomatoes, potatoes, squash, corn, and soybeans have been genetically altered through.