The business world is always changing. Demand never ceases to be a concern, with companies racing to find the best way to fulfill the ever-evolving desires of consumers. However, one fundamentally constant human demand is that which involves the production of food. Although in Canada, there is more than enough food produced to feed the entire nation, impoverished countries such as Kenya are in a much more difficult position. Countries which suffer from drought, poor soil quality, or other farming difficulties are often unable to sufficiently feed their people with the low yield of crops that they are able to produce. A recent Globe and Mail article notes that one possible solution to poverty is the use of genetically-modified (GMO) crops.

Genetic modification has recently emerged as a way for companies to produce crops with more desirable traits, such as pest resistance, better taste, larger yield, and bigger crops. By modifying the core genetic material inside the plants, crops can become much more resilient in tougher growing conditions. Growing genetically modified crops could mean providing enough food to support those living in poverty and preventing farmers from wasting their money investing in weaker crops. However, it is important to recognize that the increasing use of GMOs impacts our world in many complex ways.

As a major part of our planet’s environment, plants and their genetics have a profound impact on the way the world works. Modifying the genetics of an organism has an impact on the entire surrounding environment, and without proper research, control, and safety measures, the entire planet can change. Although research has suggested that GMOs are safe for consumption and the environment, it is still unclear what the long-term impacts could be.

We must consider whether businesses should be allowed to produce GMOs privately, as in doing so, they are changing the delicate balance of the planet’s environment. Genetic modification is more than a business venture: it could have long-lasting impacts on the entire world, upsetting the principles of natural selection. Businesses should not be able to simply produce GMOs as they please, as these decisions could have large impacts on a global scale. Moreover, there is the issue of whether companies should be able to own patents on GMOs. If private corporations were able to patent these genetics, the farming industry could quickly fall under a monopoly. Consequently, small farmers would become more vulnerable to patent-owning companies. Therefore, it is important that governments be responsible for approving GMO projects, and for GMOs to be publicized to prevent monopoly and environmental disruption. By taking the appropriate measures to research and control GMOs, there is potential to provide food for millions of impoverished people while avoiding substantial risk.

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References:

Hawkins, K. (2010, December 4). [Brant Family Farm 16]. Retrieved September 11, 2016, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/khawkins04/5253949949

Saunders, D. (2016, May 21). More than ever, the world needs genetically modified crops. Retrieved September 12, 2016, from http://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/more-than-ever-the-world-needs-genetically-modified-crops/article30106286/