The idea of genetic engineering as a solution to the food crisis is the main focus in the discussion but the problem is often clouded by the other aspects involved such as the ethics of genetic engineering. Since the first GM crops has been approved for entry into the open market in 1987 their use has become widespread by farmers in the U.S. (Fernandez-Cornejo and Caswell, 2006) and in "2009, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final guidance for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) animals" (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2011) yet hunger still persists.
In Poland genetically modified crops are regulated by law since December 2012. The Polish Parliament was forced by The European Commission to create a new legislation, which allows to trade only 2 modified corps. This new law caused a lot of controversy and it is a very interesting subject not only for consumers but also for economy, especially agriculture. In this essay the author would like to present some advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified organism.
What is GM?.
GM is an abbreviation for „genetically modified" organism. A GM organism is a living plant, animal, fungus or bacterium that has been altered by insertion of a new gene (or genes) though a process called transformation. The whole process of discovering, modifying, and inserting new gens is called genetic engineering. The potential advantages include increased agricultural production, improved nutrition and better tasting foods. On the other hand, there are concerns about possible unexpected adverse health effects, environmental damage and commercial exploitation.( Boland M., 2000).
The Possible Benefits of Biotechnology.
Disease Resistance Saves Money.
Genetic modification of organisms can produce corps that are more resistant to pests and diseases. Nowadays people can take a gene that gives resistance to a fungal infection in a wild plant and inserted them into a food plant that lacks this protection.