Just yesterday, thousands and thousands of people took the
streets to protest Monsanto, a controversial agricultural company in genetically
modified seeds. Organizers said the protest "March Against
Monsanto" was held in 52 countries and 436 cities, including here in Chicago. This worldwide protest was done to not only raise and spread awareness about genetically modified foods and the harmful effects of these foods, but also to protect our food supply, support local farmers, and to bring accountability to those responsible for genetically modified foods (MarchAgainstMonsanto).
Monsanto produces genetically modified seeds, which grow into crops that are engineered to withstand insecticides and herbicides while improving crop yields, increasing global food supply, and adding nutritional benefits and improving crop yields (NY Daily). Proponents of Monsanto say that three broad categories benefit from Monsanto and genetically modified food: farmers, processors, and consumers. Using Monsanto products and genetically modified foods benefits farmers because it increases productivity and reduces cost by increasing the yield of the farmer's crop, improving crop protection from insects and disease, and increasing crops' tolerance to heat, drought, and other environmental factors. Monsanto products also help processors because by having more crops, it improves the quality and content of animal feed, food, and energy sources. Monsanto also benefits consumers because there are health advantages such as increased protein and healthier oils (Monsanto). However, although this product is beneficial, it also is very controversial.
There are thousands of people across the nation and the world who are against genetically engineering seeds and crops because of the many risks that it entails. Because GMO's contains DNA that is alters, its introduces allergens and toxins to foods as well as make crops resistant to antibiotics. Although many crops are genetically modified, there are still crops that do not use genetically modified seeds. This can pose a problem because if genetically modified seeds and non-genetically modified seeds are mixed because it can lead to contamination of organic crops.
Another reason there is a controversy with genetically modified seeds is the health risks. Although Monsanto claims that all of their genetically modified crops are safe, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has warned consumers of "serious health risks" as indicated by an animal study that measures the effects of genetically modified foods.
Monsanto produces genetically modified seeds, which grow into crops that are engineered to withstand insecticides and herbicides while improving crop yields, increasing global food supply, and adding nutritional benefits and improving crop yields (NY Daily). Proponents of Monsanto say that three broad categories benefit from Monsanto and genetically modified food: farmers, processors, and consumers. Using Monsanto products and genetically modified foods benefits farmers because it increases productivity and reduces cost by increasing the yield of the farmer's crop, improving crop protection from insects and disease, and increasing crops' tolerance to heat, drought, and other environmental factors. Monsanto products also help processors because by having more crops, it improves the quality and content of animal feed, food, and energy sources. Monsanto also benefits consumers because there are health advantages such as increased protein and healthier oils (Monsanto). However, although this product is beneficial, it also is very controversial.
There are thousands of people across the nation and the world who are against genetically engineering seeds and crops because of the many risks that it entails. Because GMO's contains DNA that is alters, its introduces allergens and toxins to foods as well as make crops resistant to antibiotics. Although many crops are genetically modified, there are still crops that do not use genetically modified seeds. This can pose a problem because if genetically modified seeds and non-genetically modified seeds are mixed because it can lead to contamination of organic crops.
Another reason there is a controversy with genetically modified seeds is the health risks. Although Monsanto claims that all of their genetically modified crops are safe, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine has warned consumers of "serious health risks" as indicated by an animal study that measures the effects of genetically modified foods.
So, what do you think about Monsanto and genetically modified foods. Should farmers continue to use genetically modified foods, or should people continue there protests to stop genetically modified products? Why or why not?
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