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Elizabeth Cicoletti
Credit: The New Humanitarian
Humans have modified organisms for thousands of years using methods like crossbreeding and selective breeding, practices which date back to 8000 BCE. A genetically modified organism (GMO) refers to a plant, animal, or microbe whose DNA has been intentionally altered in some capacity. While GMO animals have traditionally been used in research labs for various studies, some are now being produced for human consumption—such as genetically modified salmon, which has been engineered to mature faster. Today, genetically engineered plants are seen everywhere; about “90% of the corn, soybeans, and sugar beets on the market are GMOs” (National Geographic). Typically, genetic modification occurs in our food supply to improve either the shelf life, crop yield, or the cost of these foods for both the farmer and consumer, but there is fiery controversy regarding the use of GMOs in our food supply (Science and History). Genetically modified organisms offer significant potential to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce pesticide use, and address food insecurity, but their adoption must be carefully managed to mitigate environmental, ethical, and health risks
Credit: Women In AG Science
An average farmer’s crops are home to a variety of insect populations, some of which aid the crop’s growth, while others are extremely harmful to the health of the crop. To combat the impact of pests on their crops, farmers have turned to pesticide chemicals to prevent these insects from damaging the plants by either killing the insect or creating a toxic barrier surrounding the plant, inhibiting the insect from feeding on the plant. The chemicals in pesticides, although effective at decreasing impacts of pests, serve many health concerns for humans and other animals that rely on these plants for food. Scientists have now developed a way to make crops pest-resistant, while also avoiding the harmful effects of pesticides. Here, enter Gmos. By modifying a plant’s protein structure, scientists have successfully made plants toxic for certain pests, but not for other insects, animals, or humans, allowing for farmers to reduce their reliance on pesticides to protect their crops (Purdue University). Despite their effectiveness, genetically modified crops start to lose effectiveness as insects adapt and develop resistance to the modified protein, which is something scientists must consider in order for modification technologies to continue to be effective in this area (U.S. Food and Drug Administration).
Along with their effects on the use of pesticides, genetically modified crops are producing increased crop yields, which ultimately is having many impacts on other areas of concern like food insecurity and climate change. According to a 2014 study, genetic modification technology has been proven to reduce chemical pesticide use by 37%, increase crop yields by 22%, and increase farmer profits by 68% (Klümper). As global demand for food production continues to surge, the increase in crop yields from genetic modification can address food insecurity issues. In the United States alone, there are eleven crops with genetic modifications made to them including corn, apples, and potatoes. A reduction in genetically modified crops would ultimately lead to a dramatic decrease in available food supply. Globally, GMOs serve a massive role in providing nutrient dense crops to millions of people (Sims).
In the 1950s, an overwhelming amount of banana plantations in Central and South America were wiped out due to the Panama disease. The loss of the banana crop impacted numerous national economies, including the economies of Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Columbia. Genetic engineering technology allowed for the development of new varieties of bananas that could withstand this disease, while also making human populations “stronger and more disease-resistant” with the increased genetic diversity of their food supply (Kambhampaty).
Credit: The Guardian
Credit: Natural Grocers
As crop yields increase, land demand for production is decreasing. Based on a study done by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, land use is currently accounting for over 30% of all agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, and as a result of the increased yield in genetically modified crops, greenhouse gas emissions are substantially reduced. Not only can GMOs decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but they are also more apt to survive in severe weather conditions that are occurring due to climate change. These modified crops are helping farmers adapt to issues being presented by climate change including droughts, floods, heat, and frost (Kovak). For example, rice production is in constant risk due to excessive flooding in productive areas. In response, farmers have developed scuba rice–a strain that can withstand high amounts of water exposure. Producing crops that are able to withstand these extreme weather conditions is crucial if we want to maintain stable food production as climate change continues to impede our global food supply (Sullivan). Despite these benefits, consumers and health critics are skeptical of genetic modification because of its potential negative impacts on human health, animal health, and the global economy. In fact, many European countries have banned the use of GMOs for mass food production altogether.
Credit: Genetics Unzipped
The most common debate regarding genetic modification of plants and animals comes down to the ethics behind it. Some people oppose GMO use for religious purposes, while others debate see it as being morally wrong to alter nature’s natural state of being by introducing foreign material into existing organisms or inserting plant genes into animals and vice versa. Because of the strong opposition to GMOs, producers have implemented clear labeling onto their products to inform consumers of what they are purchasing. Another suspicion scientists have is that altering an organism's genetic makeup could pose health risks for humans including the potential for new allergens and the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An additional risk that scientists see is that the new protein that modifies plants to be pest resistant can cause unintentional harm to non-target organisms.
Additionally, researchers hypothesize that with GMO use, the price of newly developed modification technology may be sold at especially high prices, which will ultimately hurt the economy and give large scale farms a leg up over small farmers that can’t afford the same technology (Phillips). While current research indicates that GMO foods are safe to eat, concerns remain about their long-term health effects. Because there is a lack of extensive human studies, further research is needed before consumers can be confident and informed about the use of GMOs in our everyday lives (Raman).
While genetically modified organisms hold significant promise in addressing global challenges such as food insecurity, pesticide use, and climate change, their implementation requires careful consideration of the ethical, environmental, and health implications. The benefits of GMOs–ranging from increased crop yields and reduced pesticide reliance to more resilient plants capable of withstanding extreme weather–are clear. However, the concerns surrounding their long-term effects on human health, ecological balance, and economic equity cannot be overlooked. As the debate over GMOs continues, it’s essential for ongoing research, clear labeling, and open dialogue to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly. The goal should be to harness the potential of GMOs while addressing the legitimate concerns that arise, creating a more sustainable and equitable future for both farmers and consumers.
Elizabeth Cicoletti
Elizabeth Cicoletti
Class of 2026
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