GMO is the abbreviation for Genetically Modified Organisms. These are organisms whose DNA has been altered by inserting modified genes or a gene from a different organism using genetic engineering. GMO crops are plantations which utilize genetically modified organisms and produce a harvest. GMO crops were first introduced in 1996, and since then farmers in the U.S have adopted genetically modified crops for its financial advantages.
According to a research paper published by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Soybeans and cotton genetically engineered with herbicide-tolerant traits have been the most widely and rapidly adopted GMO crops in the U.S., followed by insect-resistant cotton and corn. The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Application (ISAAA) suggests that as of 2008, 25 countries worldwide have accepted the cultivation of GMO crops. With its rising popularity it is safe to conclude that the number of countries adopting GMO crops has without a doubt increased. United States, China, India, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Canada, Egypt, Bolivia and Australia are some of the notable countries harvesting GMO crops.
The ISAAA also predicts that by the end of 2015, the number of countries using GMO crops, hectares of land as well as the number of farmers would all double if research and development is on track. The most popular GMO crop is expected to be rice, and the most popular trait that farmers will look for in GMO crops will be drought tolerance in the coming years.
While GMO crops have many advantages, the main advantage is that, molecular biologists or genetic engineers can virtually create the perfect plant. Scientists can not only cross breed different varieties of the same plant species, now they are equipped to transfer the genes of completely unrelated organisms to produce the perfect harvest that farmers all over the world only dream of. GMO crops could be made herbicide and pest resistant and even disease resistant.
Enhanced nutrition is another factor. Instead of adding vitamins and minerals to the food product towards the end of its journey from harvesting to production, nutrients can now be added in to the crops itself. Some GMO crops are also designed to withstand extreme weather conditions from extreme cold or heat to drought.
While scientists view genetic modification as a major breakthrough and the agri-businesses see it as a huge increase in profits when it comes to GMO crops, there is also a rising concern that it is unethical and that it goes against nature. As a result many nations are divided when it comes to the question of how best biotechnology, in particular GMO crops should be used to benefit human kind. The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) of the United Nations states, "FAO recognizes both the great potential, and the complications, of these new technologies.
We need to move carefully, with a full understanding of all factors involved. In particular, we need to assess GMO crops in terms of their impact on food security, poverty, bio-safety and the sustainability of agriculture. GMO crops cannot be seen in isolation, simply as technical achievements".
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