Rather than engage on points that are factual, you'll often hear that GMO
is unnatural. Which of course is completely true like computers, cars and modern medicine too.
But people still feel there's a hidden danger.
Editing genes, what could be stranger?
So let us give these bad feelings some precedents and discuss them in light
of the evidence.
130 studies, 25 years, independent research says have no
fears.
While we can add more papers to the balance sheet,
GM is as safe as any other food you eat.
GM changes organisms with a cut and paste. More nutritious, more resistant,
allergens erased. Slow to spoil, makes medicines, fossil fuels replaced. Is there
no problem it can solve?
Well, actually now you mention it. Modest GM yield increases won't stop
starvation,
the real solution needed: better administration.
Breeding management and sustainability, still play a huge part in farm fertility.
Insect killing genes from bacteria called BT, means we should use
insecticides less intensively. But on the other hand, herbicide-tolerant breeds
keep up the spraying and creating super weeds. Yes, cross-contamination can colonize
crops,
but evolution and breeding all cause
gene-hops.
Many consumers view GM with suspicion,
some transparency might just change their position.
For example, labelling might be a big pain, but consumer choice is a reasonable
claim.
Big companies predicting genes with patent deeds,
need to understand farmers want to own their own seeds.
Corporate misbehavior's not GM specific,
plenty of players in the field are terrific.
Regardless of the side you're on there is no doubt,
the gene-engineering genie is already out.
Let's bring together hopes, fears, values, trade-offs, facts
and scientists will stop with their 'we know best' act.
If we walk a path between research and caution,
we can have solutions and safety in equal proportion.