Genetically Modified Food Controversy

Genetically modified food products are a major product innovation. GMOs are simply the modern version of farming techniques used for centuries (Rich, 2004). The main goal of the Africa Rice Center is to alleviate poverty and food scarcity by using research, development, and partnerships to increase rice production and profitability in Africa (Thorne, Ferrell, & Ferrell, 2011). GMO crops could be the solution to helping Africa feed the population. Although there is lots of controversy surrounding the use of GMO, I believe that it a plausible solution that should be researched.

GM plants and animals have the potential to be the greatest discovery in the history of farming (Huffman, Rousu, Shogren, & Tegene, 2003). Although there is still much to research, GM technology could reduce the cost of food, the rate of application of pesticides, create higher yields, enhance vitamin and protein content of food, and reduce farm worker poisoning (Rich, 2004). I agree that the safety aspects of GM products should be thoroughly analyzed, but they should not be outlawed until there is substantial evidence of harm to people or the environment. People should also be given a choice whether or not to eat GMO (Rich, 2004). Labeling should be required on all non-GMO products.
Crops can produce higher yields on smaller plots of land. Also GM crops can be grown in areas where the land is not normally suitable for growing crops. While well fed politicians, activists, scientists, and others are fighting over whether GMO should be used, thousands are dying daily in areas of Africa. Feeding starving people is more important than unproven safety concerns regarding GMO