The Rural Voice, 2001-10, Page 48AgriTech
The pros and cons of GM foods online
By Janice Becker
We have all had contact with it —
scientitically-altered food sources.
For decades, researchers have
tinkered with the original make-up of
both horticultural and agricultural
crops. Not only has hybridization and
trait selection resulted in better
quality and greater yields. it has
allowed food production in more
northerly areas of this cold country.
The technology has been ongoing for
such a long time that the original
seeds of native species are now being
safeguarded to ensure survival.
However in recent years the terms
biotechnology and genetic modifi-
cation have taken on a whole new
light.
Scientists are not only selecting
the best features from within a spec-
ies for propagation, but are adding
herbicides and pesticides to reduce
the need for in -field applications
(thereby reducing the impact on the
environment, according to the
industry).
The nutritional value of the crop is
being boosted, such as with "golden"
rice in which beta -carotene has been
added to reduce the incidence of
blindness in developing countries.
Even cross -species manipulation is
occurring.
There has been an outcry from
groups around the world, worried
about the long-term health impact
and effect on food sources.
After repeatedly viewing a
television commercial for a biotech-
nology web site, I thought it might be
a place to start to get industry
information. Located at
www.whybiotech.com, the Council
for Biotechnology Information has
set up a site which deals with both
Canadian and American issues,
ongoing debates and government
standards and policies.
When checking the material,
surfers must be aware of the backers
for the site (as is true for any source
of information). The council is a joint
effort between several agricultural
companies involved in the production
of biotechnological commodities.
They include Aventis Crop Science,
BASF, Bayer, Dow AgroSciences,
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Monsanto, Syngenta, the American
Crop Association and the Biotech-
nology Industry Organization.
Regardless, there is a great deal of
information for those seeking
scientific data which supports the
benefits of the advancements. Aside
from the aforementioned benefits for
feeding the Third World and improv-
ed quantity and quality, the industry
suggests advantages to farmers by
increasing efficiencies with reduced
environmental impacts.
Though I could spend columns
explaining the reasoning and
research, a trip to the site and a click
on the "Canada" button would be
more efficient. The reading material
is lengthy and may be better printed.
The site also includes international
news stories related to the genetic
modification issue, though most are
supportive in nature.
A check of the Canadian Safety
and Regulations section shows this .
country's current position.
For anyone interested in learning
in person, the events calendar lists
conferences around the world for the
coming year. Quebec is to host the
5th International Forum of the
Strategic Partnerships in the
Biotechnology and Agri -Food
Industry from October 21-23.
To ensure there were sites
dedicated to the other side of the
issue, I simply searched for
"genetically modified" through
google.com and found a great site at
special.northernlight.com/gmFoods/.
This site appears to be well balanced,
providing editorials and news stories
from both viewpoints, listing major
players in the industry, offering
ethical and religious positions, out-
lining government policies, dealing
with health and safety concerns and,
most importantly, providing links to
organizations which promote
alternatives to biotechnology and
voice serious concerns.
This is a topic which will not
easily find consensus and the range of
perspectives will be held strongly.
Information from sides is the best
way to be truly informed.0
Janice Becker is a computer
enthusiast and journalist living near
Walton, ON.