Biotechnology Ethics Lori Peck Oklahoma State University Animal Science Junior

Who am I? 10 year 4-H’er of Washita County Animal Science Junior at OSU Volunteer 4-H Leader Love working with kids

The Basics Should genetic engineering be pursued? Does it enhance or endanger the safety of the food supply? Will it contribute to meeting future needs for food & nutritional improvements in diets? Could it affect species or habitats? Is it moral-the right thing to do?

Food Safety Genetic engineering has people thinking twice. Should foods be labeled? FDA, USDA, EPA & state agencies monitor development & testing. FDA only requires labels for foods containing allergenic proteins or if a new major ingredient is present.

Food Safety continued... Do Consumers favor labeling? –Yes, they do! –They want to make informed buying decisions. Does labeling cost more? –Yes! –It takes more man hours to get everything in line to label effectively.

Environmental Impact What impact does genetic engineering have on the environment? Does it help? Does it hurt?

Hurt or Help Hurt –Insects may overcome resistance to pesticides. –Increasing yields on established farms still will not help poor people. Help –Higher yields = less disturbance of land. –Insect resistance = less water pollution. –More food produced more efficiently = lower long- term cost.

Religious & Ethical Issues People believe that humans should not alter forms of life. Forbidden food in some cultures Do vegetarians remain vegetarians if an animal gene is used in fruits?

Who Benefits? Researchers & Businesses? –To an extent but NO! Consumers Benefit –Variety, availability, healthfulness, taste of food. Producers Benefit –Higher yields, reduce total cost, pest resisting plants provide reliable harvest in developing countries.

The End! What are your views?