The Genetics Of Food Crops Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Genetics Of Food Crops - Essay Example Firstly there is unintentional harm to other organisms (Such as how other animals will react to modified pollens that other organisms eat). Secondly, there is the reduced effectiveness of pesticides insofar as plants that have been modified to be pest resistant may boost the immune system of insects so that they are less affected by traditional pesticides. Thirdly there is the unintended gene transfer to other species which means cross-pollination with non-genetically modified plants. As a fourth point, there is the risk of increased allergic response to genetically modified crops. One additional point is the unknown long-term effects on human health and finally, there are economic concerns associated with massive new cheap crops that may crowd out traditional food crop growers. With all these points in consideration, one must understand that all these criticisms mean nothing to somebody that is starving to death. People who are impoverished rely heavily on inexpensive food crops. If improvements can be made to increase food output, nutritional output or reduce costs associated with growing food than it may be beneficial to the people who would best capitalize on this product. As a final point if Norman Borlaug had never made the genetic improvements to our cereal crops than according to the American Council on Science and Health (2007) that it is estimated that over a billion people would have starved to death. For his contribution, Borlaug was awarded both the Nobel Peace Prize and the Congressional Medal of Honor.