Genetically Modified Organisms>

Genetically Modified Organisms: Comments and links



The debate currently under way on Genetically Modified Organisms is hot. We have the long-established chemical company Monsanto in the heart of it and the long succession of different versions of their substances, particularly 'Agent Orange' and 'Roundup.' While they will argue that 'Agent Orange' was used successfully and with minimal human or ecological damage in military tactics in Vietnam, objectors list figures of thousands of babies still being born with serious deformities as a result. The problem with the pesticide 'Roundup' is that, like with most pesticides, resistance can be built against it. Objections are also raised at Monsanto's apparent attempt to monopolise worldwide the agricultural industry - they now market Roundup resistant seeds with their product, insisting that the farmer take both and purchases from them exclusively.See The Ecologist

The difficulty with the entire industry is that it is impossible to tell what the long-term effects of letting GMOs into the environment will be. Concerned speakers claim that what is worrying is that the effects are irreversible: once genetically modified plants are put into the ecological system, their seeds will cross-breed with other seeds: the results are impossible to determine. And equally worrying is the as yet unknown effects on the human system of consuming foods with genetically modified ingredients. What most concerned groups are calling for is a moratorium on the release of these organisms until sufficient time has been allowed for research. Genetic Concern! in Ireland is calling for the same thing and even more: they are calling for the elimination of these organisms from agriculture here altogether - thereby creating Ireland as a GMO-free Zone, surely something that would be a brilliant marketing step considering the level of public opinion (abroad particularly) against GMOs.

A survey was done recently by Landsdowne Market Research among 1,400 people of all age groups across Ireland. Of those who responded, 78% of those surveyed said that they knew little or nothing about GMOs. 62% were either 'fairly concerned or very concerned' about genetically engineered foods. 'However,' according to Genetic Concern!,' when the (relatively small) number of those who considered that they knew a fair amount about genetic engineering were asked about their concerns, a staggering 88% of those who responded were either very concerned or fairly concerned.' ( Sustainable Ireland 1999, p. 6)

Certainly the debate is engaging - and there's lots of great sites out there with material in plenty!