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Published byStephen McKenzie Modified over 9 years ago
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To GM or Not to GM? By: Francesca Trianni, Ya’arah Pinhas, Cecilia Hackerson and Ben Barczewski
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Background 1953: Genetic code and structure of DNA discovered Early 1980’s: Genetically modified plants were first created Early 1990’s: First GM foods available to the public Post 1990’s: GM crops have dominated U.S. agriculture
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Benefits Improved resistance to disease, pests, herbicides, cold, draught, salinity, and disease. Monsanto & Herbicides “Quality traits” such as flavor, aesthetics, and shelf-life FLAVR SAVR Tomato Nutrition Golden Rice - enhanced Vitamin A Environmental Impacts Overall Benefits: Increased yield, and profitability More food = less hungry people More nutritional food = less malnourished people Increased global food security
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Threats to Biodiversity Transgenic Organisms without cultivation Gene Flow Indirect Effects Loss of biodiversity and alteration of soil ecosystems Changes in Viral Diseases Evolution of Resistance
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Policy Three Regulatory Agencies FDA, USDA, EPA StarLink Case Study Government’s Role in regulating food safety Proposed Legislation Genetically Engineered Safety Act-H.R. 6635 Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act- H.R. 6636 Geneticaly Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act-H.R. 6637
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Future Three possible future scenarios “Rosy Future” “Continental Islands” “Biotech Goes Niche” Conclusions By 2050 population will reach 9 to 13 billion Important to balance sustainability with growing enough food Biotech could be a valuable resource to accomplish this Caution needs to be used to mitigate negative effects
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