Argumentative Essay

EVOLUTION OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY

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Title: Evolution of Food technology

Thesis Statement: Genetically-modified crops (GMO crops) have made a big breakout in the past several years as consumers and food producers are becoming aware of the results of genetic modification and how this can affect health and the products they make and eat.

I.         Introduction

     A. Background of GMO crops

           B. Description of GMO crops

    II.   Advantages / Benefits

A.    Minimizes usages of pesticides

B.     Increases crop yields

C.     Decreases ill people

D.    Increases net incomes

III.      Disadvantages / Risks

A.    Difference of taste

B.     Pesticide-resistant

C.     More expensive

D.    Prone to allergies

IV.       Conclusion

A.    GMO crops are beneficial and eco-friendly

B.     It also improves our lifestyle   

   Genetically-modified crops (GM crops) have made a big breakout in the past several years as consumers and food producers are becoming aware of the results of genetic modification and how this can affect health and the products they make and eat. The plants have altered genes and thus attributes that make them easier to farm. Some can resist pests better than natural varieties. 

   According to Whitman ( 2000), genetically modified organisms are the most commonly used to refer to crop plants created for human or animal consumption using the latest molecular biology techniques. These plants have been modified in the laboratory to enhance desired traits such as increased resistance to herbicides or improved nutritional content.

  According to Hubpages, GMO crops provide social, economic, and environmental benefits such as the following:  It minimizes the usage of pesticides needed to a certain plant. It increases crop productions (Shaw, 2010). It can also decrease the number of people who are sick or ill because GMO crops are proven nutritious and safe for our health. Moreover, it is beneficial for most of the farmers because it increase their net income (Qaim, 2009). In terms of environmental issue, GMO crops really helps in reducing green house gas emission in our society (NSTA, 2007).

   On the other hand, there is also a risk using GMO crops that will truly affect human’s welfare. Here are some of the disadvantages in using them: There is a great difference between the tastes of GMO crops than the natural ones. According to the report (2009), the increase in pesticide use was mainly attributed to herbicide tolerant plants with weeds that developed resistance to the engineered herbicide in the said plants. Also, it is more expensive than regular crops due to modification process done. Finally, eating GMO crops may trigger and tends to form different kinds of allergies (GHC, n.d.). 

  Genetically modified crops have a lot of benefits that can solve world problem like poverty, malnutrition, and climate change which can help the society. As wise consumers, we should be keen observers and well-informed in purchasing our basic necessities by practicing buying GMO crops. Through the help of modern technology, greater innovations are done in our food in order to meet the growing demands of the people. It allows millions of families with promising future to discover and to explore new things and creative ideas to improve our life.

REFERENCES:

Pusztai, A.(2001, June) Genetically Modified Foods: Are They a Risk to Human/Animal Health? An ActionBioscience.org original article. Retrieved from: http://www.actionbioscience.org/biotech/pusztai.html.

Qaim , M. (2009).  The Economics of Genetically Modified Crops.Annual Reviews.

National Science Teachers Association. (2007) David Beacom, Publisher. Retrieved by: http://www.enviroliteracy.org/nsfmod/GM-Crops.pdf

Shaw, J. (2010, February 1). Should We Care About Genetically Modified Foods?. Opinion & Contributed Articles. Retrieved from: http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/02/should-we-care-about-genetically-modified-foods/

Whitman, D.  (2000). Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?. Retrieved from : http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/nutrition/genetically-modified-foods