A Risky Business Kiersten Isgrigg Sam Giraud
Background Information Controversy over the production, trade and labeling of GMOs has been growing for several decades. Gene manipulation is becoming more complex and widespread. Increasing global production and trade of GMOs in an already unstable international atmosphere has lead us to ask...
We think the answer is yes! Stay tuned to find out why...
The what, how and “uh-oh!” of the situation An organism with altered genetic material, often incorporating DNA from a foreign source Two types of GMOs ▪First generation ▪Second generation
Reduction in time to produce new crop varieties Pest and disease control Herbicide resistance Increased vitamin content Increased production
Threats to biodiversity Release before safety assessment Increase herbicide use Allergic reactions Foreign proteins International safety threats- biological warfare Ethics
Controversies US labeling policy and public opinion not in sync Conflicting trade interests and ethical concerns Inconsistencies in production and regulation
Conflicting international viewpoints ▪Food-based heritage ▪Lower trust in authorities ▪Disease scares ▪International bio-safety regulations necessary ▪Precautionary based policy ▪Economic growth ▪High confidence in authorities ▪Food-based diseases haven’t reached US shores ▪Favors domestic policy making ▪Science based policy
The peak of the conflict US, Canada and Argentina sue Europe for moratorium ▪ ▪Not scientifically justified World Trade Organization preliminary ruling in favor of US
Our Conclusions Due to... The lack of standardization, production and labeling The recent lawsuit against the EU
Something to think about… These factors can teach us a lesson about the importance of avoiding conflict: Coming to a consensus about standardized GMO regulation and production will lead to a happier and healthier global community! keep the views of others in mind