Genetically engineered soy beans: The cereal threat
Argument
The introduction of genetically engineered foods has important implications on a global scale. The introduction of any new technology, especially in the field of genetics, will result in changes to all aspects of culture; social, environmental, political, legal, economic, and health. In this essay I will outline some of these changes and thus show the importance of public awareness, understanding and participation in the introduction of this new technology.
Genetically engineered foods (GEF)
Genetically engineered foods are a subset, relating to food, of the genetically modified organisms (GMO) group. GMOs are any live organism which have had their genetic constituents altered or modified directly. GMOs may obtain genetic material from unrelated species for example, human to pig, which makes it different to traditional breeding techniques. Molecular biology is the basis for this technology.
The sorts of GEFs that currently exist include, tomatoes which suppress the gene for cell wall breakdown (Flavr Savr), plants which excrete biopesticides and many micro-organisms involved in fermentation processes.
Future possibilities are almost endless due to the largely untapped wealth of genetic materials in the environment.
The uniqueness of soybeans
Monsanto's introduction of "Round Up Ready" soybeans are unique in several ways. Firstly, the beans are engineered to be resistant to a common herbicide in wide usage that the company itself makes. Secondly, soybeans are one of 9 crops that account for 75% of the world's food supply (FAO). Thirdly, soybeans are indigenous to Asia and have a long cultural, social and ecological background.
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Health Implications
human and environmental
Legal Implications
Intellectual property GATT/TRIPS
Food labelling, seed saving and ownership. Allowable residues
Substantial equivalence vs Novelty
Environmental Implications
Biodiversity
Traditional ecological knowledge
Conventional/Organic farming
Political implications
power, Freedom, choice
Developing Nations
Economic implications
capitalism, distribution, efficiency
Market failure
Social Implications
Social diversity, Maturity
values
The role of multinationals, government, non government and community
monopolies, centralism
pluralism, activism
education, discussion and involvement.
References
American Chemical Society (ACS) Symposium series "Genetically Modified Foods; Safety Issues", ACS, ed. Engel et.al., 1995
Calestous, Juma "The Gene Hunters; Biotechnology and the scramble for seeds", 1989.
Genetics Forum, "The case against patents in genetic engineering", The Genetics Forum, London, 1996.
P97 gene tech food rules A328 draft standards for RoundUp in soybeans, Australia and New Zealand Food Authority, 1997.
Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) "Biodiversity, biotechnology, and sustainable development in health and agriculture: emerging connections", PAHO, Washington, 1996.
Perlas, Nicanor, "Overcoming illusions about biotechnology", Third World Network, Penang, 1994.
Scrinis, Gyorgy "Colonising the seed; Genetic Engineering and Techno-Industrial Agriculture", Friends of the Earth, Melbourne, 1995.
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), "Our Planet", UNEP, vol.8, No.4, 1996.
Williams, N., Banes, G., "Traditional Ecological Knowledge: Wisdom for sustainable development", Centre for Resource and Environmental Science (CRES), Canberra, 1996.