Can growing of genetically modified crops coexist with non genetically modified crops and what are the potential dangers. Some scientists say that not enough testing has been done and the affects are often cumulative. Biotech corporations suggest that the differences are minimal. However, some in the scientific and environmental community have different conclusion. One such explanation stated that organisms created from gene-splicing are different in their genetic make up and interact to their surroundings differently on a cellular level. The genes behave in a way like a virus. "The foreign gene acts independently of cellular controls, uncorrelated with the other genes".
In reference to controlling contamination "the official advise of the UK is that there should be a separation of 50 meters". There are just as many differing opinions. Certain governments and biotech corporations believe with the proper controls contamination can be minimized. A study made in Mexico discovered GM corn contamination as far as several hundreds of miles. "Mexico doesn't allow genetically modified cultivation" and has concerns over biodiversity and preserving it's "unique strains of maize". Some opponents of genetically modified crops say it should never be allowed to be cultivated on a large scale.
One ecologist provided five reasons why genetically modified crops should not be grown. His issues were consumer choice, potential health risk, the loss of small scale farming, corporate control of food supply, and environmental issues. Regards to consumer choice, some say consumers don't want to eat genetically altered food. One incident that caused alarm was the finding of corn taco shells that contained genetically altered corn made for livestock. The proponents of engineered foods believe it is safe, but many scientists, environmental activists, and some farmers think more studies should be done. The risks are said to be allergic reactions. "Genetic modification frequently use proteins from organisms that have never before been an integral part of the human food chain". Antibiotic resistance can also occur because of the alteration. And the threat of cross pollination. Genetically modified crops are often dominant and there is a concern of pharmaceutically altered crop contaminating non-gentically modified crop as in Texas when a vaccine for pigs with a stomach disease was mixed. In some studies the use of modified crops required more pesticide and herbicide use that traditional crops. In effect some crops because of their genetic characteristics become more like weeds. The reduction of biodiversity, greater use of pesticides and herbicides is a concern among environmentalist. In years we've see the reduction of small scale farming. If the crops require harsher pesticides due to their resistance this can impact our ecosystem. In some tests the "pest resistant crops failed to deliver". Because genetically modified crops share different evolutionary paths when introduced into an environment it can contaminate the existing plants. Growing modified crops require that the seeds be purchased from the biotech company that supplies them and often times the cost is greater than conventional seeds with the hope of a greater yield. The proponents against genetically modified crops seem to say that the dangers outweigh any of the benefits
I think it is a difficult issue, and the topic is broader than it suggests. I tend to agree that there are too many ways for contamination to occur. The long term effects are not yet known. I do agree that it's worth looking into more because it deals with areas of health on an individual and global scale and the sustainability of food supply and the food chain is also linked to our ecology. I can see the concern, alterations on a cellular level comprises many variables.
Reference:
http://www.bio-intergrity.org/health-risks/health-risks-ge-foods.htm
http://online.sfsu.edu/~rone/GEessays/WhatisGE.html
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