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Organic or Genetically Modified?

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AdamD

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Genetically modified food are foods that are derived from genetically modified organisms; products that contain specific changes to their original DNA. Organic products do not contain any genetic modifications. They are foods that are produced naturally without modern enhanced plantation methods such as the wide spread use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. A lot of controversy exists over the use of genetically modified products and over the years many people have returned to the fruits and vegetables that are produced using organic means. But what truly are the dangers associated with modifying food? Perhaps it has more benefits than weaknesses?

The Old and the Healthy

Organic food has always been thought to be the healthier alternative. Various pesticides have been identified by the EPA as cancer causing and dangerous for humans.  Organic products restrain from using such chemicals and as a result provide for a healthier lifestyle. Vegetables and fruits that are grown organically are able to sustain many of their natural nutritious values from minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants. In the end, the toxic chemicals are not put out into our natural environment. Organic farming allows people to sustain harmony with the world we live in. Keeping our environment as it is is essential for its survival. But contrasting such benefits of an organic production are several negative sides to the whole “story”. Organic products are generally inefficiently produced and at a much slower rate than genetically modified ones.  Such inefficiency leads to increased costs of the organic crops and makes them more unattractive to the local customers. Such foods also have a shorter self-life. Genetically modified crops can last much longer after the harvest than organic foods.

Leaps in Technology seem attractive

Genetically modified foods however also pose as an attractive alternative. Farmers are able to grow crops that are resistant to pretty much everything. The local pests and rodents no longer pose any harm. Weeds need not be picked as they are tolerated by the crop. Different forms of bacteria or fungus can do nothing. Extreme environmental changes can be accepted by the crop without majorly affecting its quality. Whether it’s a drought or cold winter, the plant can continue growing. It is important however to keep in mind that genetically modified products do have a negative impact on the environment. Altering the natural existence of organisms (changing the DNA composition) can never have a positive result on the  surrounding ecosystem. The chemicals and pesticides kill and pollute the local plants and may also negatively affect the human digestive system.  It inevitably causes us to question what we are truly eating. Genetic engineering can truly alter a particular crop into something different.

So…

Whether organic or genetically modified, both routs have their benefits and disadvantages. However I believe that the question we need to ask ourselves is what we are trying to achieve. I reason that we are trying to receive a product that is of the best quality possible. The cost in most cases is irrelevant. We are entering a new era that promotes a sustainable lifestyle. Organic products are therefore a much better solution for all. They are a healthier choice for the us and our planet.

Sources of Information

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food

http://www.thcarson.co.uk/whyorganic.htm

http://www.csa.com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview.php

http://carthageagriculture.pbworks.com/w/page/15315791/Organic%20Farming%20Days%2024

http://foodandorganic.com/disadvantages-of-organic-food.html

http://wanttoknowit.com/disadvantages-of-genetically-modified-food/

Comments

3 responses to “Organic or Genetically Modified?”

  1. VictorL Avatar
    VictorL

    While some of the genetically modified products seem like the future; it is also important to note that GM foods don’t taste as good as the organic products sometimes. It has also been seen that some GM products that were made to last longer, still rotted but only on the inside. In other words, GM foods have a long way to go before they are a better alternative.

  2. daliakamar Avatar
    daliakamar

    In today’s world, it isn’t very surprising that this is taken place. Honestly, I don’t think it’s so much a big deal if there’s a little genetic alteration in some of our food’s genetic makeup. Yes, it means it is mutated on purpose, however, not mutated to the point it still isn’t food. There are plenty of GM foods available in the market that we are oblivious about. I firmly believe that it is up to the consumer to decide whether or not they want to purchase these foods. However, it is our right to know if there are GM aspects of the food.

  3. Mousharafa Avatar
    Mousharafa

    From my point of view, the issue of genetically modifying food or growing food organically is one that cannot be applicable to all countries or regions in a broad sense. The reason is that not all the environments on Earth are able to sustain the growth of certain fruits, for instance in Egypt we are seeing the growth of new fruits that have never been grown before in the region. Also there are societies that are wealthier and more prosperous than others, this leads us to know that poorer societies are in need of crops that produce more at a cheaper rate rather than organic crops which take up space and time and are not availible to all the classes of society.

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