Genetically Modified Soybeans !

Arguments For

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Source: http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/photos/uncategorized/2007/09/10/adoption_o_crops_3.gif
By genetically modifying these soybeans, they are believed to have a much larger resistance to herbicides such as RoundUp, which is used widely in soybean growing areas such as the US. If the soybeans have a higher resistance, this would mean that farmers would only have to use the herbicides on the plants once so what it can kill off the weed but leaving the plants alive. This will result in a lower cost to produce soybeans for farmers and other large companies. RoundUp is also effective in controlling a large number of plants at once, making it easier for the farmer. 

Another pro to GM soybeans is that, it’s believed if the soybeans have been genetically modified, they will produce a higher yield over a shorter amount of time. This has been proven the case with many other GM foods but not yet with soybeans. If GM soybeans did produce a higher yield, this would save farmers a lot of time and effort trying to plant and take care of the soybeans.

Genetic modification also affects the economy in a positive way. In 2007, over half the world's soybean crop (58.6%) was genetically modified; a percentage higher than any other crop. Soybean production has been growing ever so higher over the years with countries in North and South America having the hugest effects. Since 1996, the percentage of acres being used in the US for growing genetically modified soybeans has grown to almost 100% (92%).

Genetic modification has actually had a very large impact on poverty stricken countries all over the world. With genetic modification, they are able to produce a substantially higher yield of crops which they can then sell for money or use to feed their families with. This seems like a great idea yes? The only downside is that for genetic modification to work, you first need the resources such as scientists and money which many poverty stricken countries do not have. If genetic modification was made global, it could prove to have a significant impact on the lives of millions of people who are currently living in poverty. But that day may never come as there are many cons to genetic modification and the fact that a large proportion of the public are against it.

Arguments Against

Scientists believe that by introducing a new random DNA section into the plant will cause it to grow in many other unexpected ways. Already proven the case in GM soybeans, they are known to contain harmful toxins which can cause us to have an allergy to the food. 

Although humans are not directly taking the GM soybeans as a food product, it is used in many additives for the daily foods that we eat. If the soybeans contain toxins, they could possibly transfer into the additives, and thus the food we eat. The GM soybeans are also used as a food source for cows, cattle and livestock. These harmful toxins are eaten by the livestock, transferring into their bodies which then humans are eating on our dinner plates. This could mean that our diary and meat products could become inedible unless we find the livestock a different food source; one that doesn’t use genetically modified products. If we are eating the diary products and meat from animals that have consumed GM soybeans, it could cause unprecedented symptoms and illnesses. 

Scientists have recently found out that glyposphate used in herbicide formulations contain a large amount of toxicity. They conducted an experiment where they placed the glyphosphate onto numerous human cells. Surprisingly, all the cells had died within 24 hours. This shows how dangerous and toxic the use of herbicides on our plants can be. They also performed experiments on amphibian embryos which showed clear signs of mutation including reduced head sizes, generic alterations in the central nervous system, deformed cartilage and more. It was concluded by the scientists that the glyphosphate didn’t break down but rather built up in cells. 

There have been several studies of animal behaviour after the consumption of GM soybeans. Rabbits that were fed this GM soy were found to have altered enzymatic activity in their livers as well as higher metabolic activity. Mice that ate RoundUp Ready soybeans showed altered gene expression and functional changes to the body. There were also tests carried out on rats which showed those that eat GM soybeans and had offspring were endangering their offspring. More than half of the rats’ offspring died within the first three weeks while six times as many were severely underweight. This could also happen in humans which would mean that women, who ate GM foods while pregnant, could risk endangering their unborn babies. 

All of these events could possibly happen to humans which is why genetically modified soybeans pose as huge risk to our health and safety.

However there are also some economic issues behind genetic modification. One of them is the price of genetic modification. To get the technology to start genetic modification it takes quite a lot of money; something which many countries across the world do not have. They also need to purchase the specific seeds for the crop which have been genetically modified; this will also cost a lot. RoundUp herbicide also has to be purchased and used on the crops they grow; which is the only herbicide available for use. The end product will also be substantially more expensive than regular soybeans as extra work has been done to produce them.

Although genetic modification has affected the economy and farmers in a positive way, there are a huge number of safety and price issues on the line which aren't worth the risk. And until these problems are solved by scientists, genetic modification does not look so bright for the future.