Food Biotechnology
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of food biotechnology. Are there implications that you see that could be beneficial and/or harmful to the population? 750-1000 words.
When assigned this writing assignment I had no idea what “food biotechnology” was. I started by looking up the meaning for biotechnology and found that it means the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products. It was discovered in the 70s and has been used ever since. Food biotechnology is when these uses are applied to food. It has been used to create and improve new food and beverages. The microorganisms involved with this process include bacteria, yeast, and algae. It is used on both crops and animals. The most commonly used biotech crops include soy, cotton, and corn. There are many advantages as well as disadvantages when dealing with food biotechnology. Some advantages include, fewer pesticide use, economic increase for farmers, and more affordable crops for consumers. Some disadvantages include allergic reactions and fear of the unknown.
One advantage when using food biotechnology is being able to use fewer pesticides. From 2003-2004 in the U.S. alone they were able to cut back on 62 million pounds of pesticides from the use of 11 biotech crops. This saves not only money for the farmers, but also helps the environment. The food is safer to eat for us, and will not harm animals. It also saves the soil and allows it be used more often. Biotech crops have also allowed farmers to reduce the use of tractors for tilling and weeding the soil. This cuts back on gas emissions and saves the environment from more greenhouse gases. Not only has pesticide use and gas emission use been cut down, land use is also being conserved. By using food biotechnology crops we can reduce deforestation. Biotech crops do not need perfect growing conditions and can tolerate more extreme ones allowing for soil to be reused instead of cutting down more trees for farms and crop
When assigned this writing assignment I had no idea what “food biotechnology” was. I started by looking up the meaning for biotechnology and found that it means the use of living systems and organisms to develop or make useful products. It was discovered in the 70s and has been used ever since. Food biotechnology is when these uses are applied to food. It has been used to create and improve new food and beverages. The microorganisms involved with this process include bacteria, yeast, and algae. It is used on both crops and animals. The most commonly used biotech crops include soy, cotton, and corn. There are many advantages as well as disadvantages when dealing with food biotechnology. Some advantages include, fewer pesticide use, economic increase for farmers, and more affordable crops for consumers. Some disadvantages include allergic reactions and fear of the unknown.
One advantage when using food biotechnology is being able to use fewer pesticides. From 2003-2004 in the U.S. alone they were able to cut back on 62 million pounds of pesticides from the use of 11 biotech crops. This saves not only money for the farmers, but also helps the environment. The food is safer to eat for us, and will not harm animals. It also saves the soil and allows it be used more often. Biotech crops have also allowed farmers to reduce the use of tractors for tilling and weeding the soil. This cuts back on gas emissions and saves the environment from more greenhouse gases. Not only has pesticide use and gas emission use been cut down, land use is also being conserved. By using food biotechnology crops we can reduce deforestation. Biotech crops do not need perfect growing conditions and can tolerate more extreme ones allowing for soil to be reused instead of cutting down more trees for farms and crop