...1. Monsanto does try to maintain an ethical culture for stackholders in various different ways. Monsanto used ethics and social responsibility to form a reputation to its stakeholders. They did this by supporting youth programs and donating nearly $1.5 million in scholarships to students who want to pursue agriculture-related degrees. In addition, they gave a $15 gift to the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center to do crop research in Africa. Also, the fund helped the “Healthy Children, Healthy Future” program, which seeks to reduce diseases in Brazilian children through education of good health and basic hygiene. However, Monsanto’s dominance in the industry has burdened farmers in that farmers cannot reuse the seeds purchased year after year, they must purchase new seeds every year. If farmers are caught doing so, they must pay Monsanto. 1. Monsanto also faces challenges because of the lingering concerns over the safety and the environmental impact of its products. 2. Monsanto began using GMO seeds in the 1990s because of farmers concerns of the failing crops. The advantages that came from the arrival of GMO seeds included doubling the amount of crops farmers were able to grow in the same acre. This resulted in farmers tripling profits whom used these GMO seeds. Due to the effectiveness and the profits being drawn by using these seeds, farmers are likely to continue to use them. The uses of these seeds also cause concerns. Consumers became weary of the health concerns...
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...Genetically Modified Crops- A Sociological Study Group project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Course Introduction to Sociology and Social Anthropology Course Code DC01 BA Social Sciences Submitted by Aashna Singh (100115) Priyanshu Barodia (100301) Abhishek Kumar (100564) Rupam (100568) Aila Bandagi (100277) Sashwatha Sridhar (100288) Kiran Johnson (100019) Souparna .V (100090) Minakshi Patel (100362) Vibhor Choudhary (100485) Tata Institute of Social Sciences Hyderabad 2012-13 CONTENTS * Introduction ……4 * GM Crops-What, How and Why? ……5 * Technology Used ……7 a. BT Technology b. Recombinant DNA technology c. Terminator Gene Technology * Health Impacts- ……9 a. Deaths and Near Deaths b. Viral and Bacterial Illness c. Cancer and Degenerative Diseases d. Antibiotic Threats...
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...When thinking about agriculture and where our food comes from, the famous farmer’s red barn comes to mind. There is an image, of a farmer raising healthy animals, with acres of land and freedom for the animals to roam. Whenever we buy and prepare our food, especially our meat, we do not usually consider where exactly the food comes from. Several people are not educated about the reality of the severe conditions that our meat is put through, and blindly trust what is given and said to us. The majority of animals, which are raised for food, live inhumanely in large, overcrowded warehouses called factory farms. Animals in these warehouses, mainly chickens, pigs, and cows, are also exploited to dangerous chemicals in order to progress aging and size. Regrettably, these chemicals do not only affect the animals in the long term. Obesity is an ever growing epidemic in America. It has become so severe that 1 in 3 Americans born after 2000 will develop early onset diabetes. There are numerous reasons as to why this is: lack of exercise, stress, and poverty to name a few, and of course what we put into our bodies. The animals in these factory farms are forced into such diseased and cruel situations that companies are compelled to use chemicals and antibiotics in the animal’s food in order to compensate for the unsanitary and tight conditions that they are raised in. An estimated 70 percent of antibiotics in the U.S. are sold and fed to animals in factory farms. They are crammed so closely...
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...A great deal of controversy has arisen over Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Genetically Modified Food, especially surrounding the production, sale, and consumption of genetically modified foods. Many people are concerned that the consumption of GMO foods may pose serious health risks. The concern is centered around the notion that there could potentially be various different unforeseen consequences due to the consumption of GMO foods. Even though there is a large controversy over GMOs not many people know what and how dangerous GMO’s are. GMO’s are organisms produced from crops whose genetic makeup has been altered through a process called recombinant DNA, or gene splicing, to give the crop a desirable trait (Bren). Genetic engineering is also defined as the copying of a gene from one plant or animal and adding it to another plant or animal. Monsanto is one of the large producers of GMO seeds. Monsanto offers farmers a wide range of GMO corn, soybean, cotton, wheat, canola, sorghum and sugar cane seeds. Theses seeds have been genetically altered to produce a pesticide, yields more per seed, and withstand harsher weather conditions. Some of these plants are now, what is called, roundup ready (Monsanto). Roundup ready plants can be sprayed with roundup and not be effected by it. Due to the use of Roundup ready plants farmers are not having to be as careful when spraying these plants and more often then not they spray more roundup on them then needed. Roundup...
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...Abstract With the production of genetically modified foods (GMFs) becoming more prevalent today, debates about whether it is right to use technology to create new forms of plant and animal life are on the rise. Proponents of GMFs believe these crops will reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals, and are just as safe as traditional crops. Opponents, on the other hand, feel the use of chemicals is scarcely reduced in GMFs and fear contamination of traditional farm crops. One example of this was displayed in October 2000 when a brand of genetically modified corn, approved only for animal feed, ended up in taco shells and other foods intended for human consumption. It is possible that GMFs are not bad for us at all and might be rather beneficial to building a sustainable future for all forms of life. The solution to its success lies in careful moderation, and this is where research is crucial. Genetically modified foods should not be banned, though studies on the effects of human consumption and economical impacts are necessary. Genetically Modified Foods: Advancement or Shortcoming? For nearly ninety years farmers have altered crops or animals using a method called crossbreeding. In crossbreeding, breeders select desirable traits of the parent plant or animal to produce a new species of that organism to achieve improved quantity and the quality of their crops. Though many seasons may pass before growers achieve their desired results, the harvests can produce...
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...I. Genetically Modified Seeds were made to increase food production and lower production costs. A. Historical Development – In 2000 there were thirteen countries grew genetically engineered crops. During that time the United States produced the majority of those crops. B. Genetically modified seeds are produced and distributed by biotech companies C. 68% of all genetically crops were grown by United States farmers in the year of 2000. D. Complexity – the environment, health, public concern and the expense of the poor II. Political and Legal Influences A. United States Federal Government 1. Lobbying 2. FDA and the revolving door 3. USDA 4. Political pressure 5. Silencing whistleblowers B. State and Local Governments 1. Local resistance 2. State government support for GMO C. Europe 1. EU resistance 2. GMO free zones 3. Greater rejection and shrinking market D. Canada 1. Bribe money 2. Pressure to approve GMO E. Rest of the world 1. Angola 2. Australia 3. Brazil 4. New Zealand 5. Sudan 6. Venezuela F. WTO 1. Collusion with GMO producers 2. Prohibits bans on GMO products G. Legal 1. Monsanto’s 90% market share of GMO seeds 2. Antitrust issues 3. Terminator seeds and patents 4. Monsanto as plaintiff a. United States b. International 5. Monsanto as defendant a. United States b. International III. Economic questions and considerations A. ...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Technology, Society, and Culture Table of Contents Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Page 3 Moral and Ethical Aspect of GMO by Ronald Claude Page 7 Cultural and Legal Aspect of GMO by Evangelina Ramirez Page 14 Environmental Issues of GMO by Donovan Collins Page 23 References Page 32 Technical Aspect of GMO by Chad Dookie Description of GMOs and the associated science Most of the populations that do shopping in the groceries to buy food for their family are not aware of the “naturalness” of the food. Groceries sell items such as; cotton seeds, rice, soy, sugar beets, yeast, cassava, papaya, bananas, food flavoring, potatoes, corn, tomatoes, squash, oils, beef, pork, chicken, salmon, peas, alfalfa, and honey. Notice that most of the items listed either came from a plant or an animal. Those are the top 20 grocery items that have been genetically modified. What are genetically modified organisms? A genetically modified organism is any living thing that has had their DNA tampered with. This can be mutating, removing, or adding genetic material into the organism. All of the items listed in paragraph one has had their DNA tampered with. Most times when people talk about genetically modified organisms, they mostly refer to plants that are genetically modified. You may be wondering how the animals listed are considered genetically modified. This is because scientists modify the plants that are being...
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...1. Identify a key competitive advantage of Monsanto. What element of the external environment in which Monsanto operates threatens its future most? Justify The key competitive advantage of Monsanto is their biotechnology or their genetically modified organisms (GMO). The company maintains to deliver distinctive combination of traits and genetics through molecular breeding. Monsanto analyzes each seed before they are planted which improves the efficiency of the breeding process and the quality of plants. Their GM seeds have increased the quantity availability of crops; helping farmers especially in developing countries increase food production and revenues. They account for 90% of the worlds GM seeds and they also hold 70 to 100% market of certain crops; with high statics, the company is clearly one of the market leaders in their field. Monsanto have used their revenues from their competitive advantage to establish a fund, which funds the company’s projects in Africa, they also support youth programs and also young famers. No company can exist in vacuum; to a certain extent Monsanto is heavily influenced by environmental factors. The greatest external threat to the company’s future is social cultural trends, this constitutes of the general attitude of society towards an industry. There are many changes occurring within the world population and one of those is a move towards a healthier lifestyle; this is a prominent move in the US. Monsanto are faced by the critiques of environmentalists...
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...writing resources in the Tutorials and Guides section of the Center for Writing Excellence. Thank you for using WritePoint. Pros & Cons of Gmos Throughout history, scientific research and the exploration of new technologies always have been areas of extreme controversy and heated debate. This is attributed that they touch upon and affect many aspects of people’s lives, not to mention their direct interference with political, social, and religious matters. One of the latest and most ferociously debated technologies the scientific community has offered humanity, is the technology of Genetically Modified Organisms and in particular genetically modified foods. A Genetically Modified food is crop plant modified in a laboratory using molecular biology techniques - the goal of producing an organism with specific traits for various reasons. Therefore only logical, given its nature...
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...Agriculture and Food Technology AENG 26 Introduction to Environmental Science Term Paper Effects of Genetically Modified Food on Human Amoguis, Jenina R. ECE 3 – 1 Engr. David L. Cero Professor Introduction Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms whose genetic material (DNA) has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally, e.g. through the introduction of a gene from a different organism. Currently available GM foods stem mostly from plants, but in the future foods derived from GM microorganisms or GM animals are likely to be introduced on the market. Most existing genetically modified crops have been developed to improve yield, through the introduction of resistance to plant diseases or of increased tolerance of herbicides. In the future, genetic modification could be aimed at altering the nutrient content of food, reducing its allergenic potential, or improving the efficiency of food production systems. The main purpose of genetic modification of food is to improve its taste, output, and make plants disease resistant. Despite these advantages, many people refuse to eat genetically modified foods over concerns that it could be dangerous to their health. However, there is still no detailed study about the long term effects of eating genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods have more research challenges but also there are misgivings about its implications in the long run. All these...
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...History and Development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) LAS 432 History and Development of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Introduction Human beings continuously try to incorporate knowledge of nature through science to help mitigate the challenges they face. Science has benefits as seen in the developments in the modern world, in-terms of food production and mechanization. In the 19th century, the industrialization took over from Agrarian revolution in the agricultural sector. Agriculture was the main economic activity that drove the development from food production. Industrialization brought about increased productivity in the agricultural sector with abandonment of the traditional practices to embracing modern technology. This came to be referred as biotechnology. Biotechnology was the incorporation modern technology in food production to reduce costs and increase output. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are organisms with modified genetic material for desirable traits n production, drought resistant and pest resistant. From traditional practices, selective breeding practices have continuously improved the agricultural sector (Liang, & Skinner, 2004). Selective breeding is the control of breeding in plants and animals by taking the desired and high producing plants for the hybrid to have the best produce overtime. Researchers took selective breeding in the 20th century to understand...
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...How Genetically Modified Foods Affect Our Lives In recent years, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have replaced our diet with genetically altered foods, which have adversely affected human health as well as local communities. Being resistant to pesticides, GMOs are created by splicing genes of different species that are combined through genetic engineering (GE), something that is impossible to do in nature (The Non-GMO Project). Consuming these genetically altered and more processed foods can lead to increased risk of diseases and even cancer (Genetically Modified Food). Most of the time we do not even realize that we are eating these harmful toxins as they are infused in our food without our knowledge (Label GMOs). The farmers that maintain the traditional farming practices and choose to grow organic produce over crops that are GE are constantly trying to keep their businesses alive. Larger corporations, however, who choose to use genetically modified (GM) seeds, make larger profits with less time and effort involved. Choosing to buy local organic produce over crops that contain genetically modified organisms can not only help you stay healthy, but also keep our local farmers in business so that they may continue to grow their crops the way nature intended. Living in the Bay Area we are extremely fortunate to have access to all sorts of organic fruits and vegetables that are grown right in our own backyard. There are countless farms in California that can grow just...
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...utilizing global climate observations in an attempt to model changes to regional food production zones. Private organizations or government grant making groups with an interest in how climate change will directly impact their particular food security have funded most of the research available on this topic. Much of the literature available indicates that economically secure countries are more equipped to handle the food security impacts of climate change and have dedicated fewer resources to studying this issue. Three regions that have completed significant climate studies in relation to food security are Eurasia, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Australia (to include the Pacific island nations). All three regions discuss the use of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to address their food security concerns. The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security Climate change presents a multitude of potentially dangerous issues for world communities to solve. Perhaps the largest of these issues is the impact of climate change on food security. T. Thamizhvanan and K. Balaguru (2012) indicate that food security has four dimensions: “availability, accessibility, food utilization, and food system stability” (p. 1). In spite of a global food market, most researchers consider food systems to be regional in nature (Barnett, 2011). This “regional” food system consideration is reflected by private organizations and local governments in Europe, Asia, and the South Pacific (Australia and the...
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...in their power to control the food business. Genetic engineering is where scientists take the DNA from one organism and plant it into another organism. Scientists have been doing it to many different types of food, from corn, tomatoes, salmon, and apples, just to name a few. Even though this is a “great” breakthrough, there has not been nearly enough testing done to see how it would affect us, the environment, or other animals, to let it be out on the market. Studies around the world are showing how genetically modified foods are leading to many difficulties people are suffering, from an increase of allergies, to more cases of celiac and Chron’s Disease, and becoming infertile.. If companies like Monstanto are going to create foods like this, we deserve the right to know how our food is being produced and what can happen to us when we eat it. Ever since genetically modified organisms started showing up, we have seen an increase of allergies in people. The modified seeds and foods have not gone through nearly enough testing before being used to make sure that what the scientists were using would not cause harm to humans. They are using all of these ingredients that are foreign to our body, and because we have never eaten anything like it before, our bodies react with allergy-like symptoms. Other an increase of allergies, there are studies showing that there is a link between GMOs and celiac disease, which is where the body has an intolerance to gluten. The American Academy of...
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...Eating our World Is wasting food really a big deal? I think yes. In today’s society our population is continuously rising causing our a bigger production in food. This means not only are more animals being killed, but more farming spaces is needed as well. The problem with this is more forest and woodland are being clear-cutted and turned into farming ground which isn’t being farmed properly hurting the environment even more. My whole belief in finding a sustainable and efficient way for food production and consumption deals with cutting the use of carbon emissions the number one goal. When you first think of farming you’ll think about the fields and everything growing in them. The biggest problems with these fields comes from clear-cutting which releases tons of carbon into the atmosphere from the dead trees. The next problem here is all the machinery used to harvest the wood and that to prepare/farm the land. The amount of carbon will continue to rise. The best way to help is to start growing as much organic food as possible. All organic farms are vastly better for the environment than conventional or integrated methods. Organic farms use less fuel to maintain as well as less fertilizers, thus leaving a smaller carbon footprint and doing less harm to the surrounding environment. With and overall output to input of 1.18, which is greater than other methods it’s no wonder why you wouldn’t go organic. Now it comes down to the meet. Around 20% of edible meet is...
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