GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD: A REBUTTAL ON A WASHINGTON TIMES EDITORIAL
The subject to be discussed in this paper is based on the arguments presented by an editorial of Washington Times entitled “Much Ado about GM Foods.” Generally, the discussion is regarding the use of genetically modified food crops to address the leading problem of the United States regarding the ban imposed by the European Union on the said crops. The study predominantly cited a study by a government agency, the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy (NCFAP), stating GM food’s benefit on major areas like Europe. In analyzing the said editorial, one should look into the source in which it directly acquired its facts. The said study claimed that it was done by a government agency characterized by being a nonprofit organization. However, it appears that the study similarly has been considerably biased towards the other funding sources of the organization. Apparently, Monsanto Co., Syngenta and the Biotechnology Industry Organization have been involved in the study as major contributors. Given this consideration, these said organizations are among those who appear to have the most advantage and profit once GM foods are allowed to be marketed in the EU. To this extent, the study carried out by NCFAP appears to discount the possible negative effects of GM crops. It concentrated on the sunny side of the story, particularly in favor of the said financial contributors.
To illustrate, the editorial stated that the use of “genetically modified insect-resistant maize, herbicide-tolerant sugarbeet and fungus-resistant potato” would be able to increase the annual yields of European farmers by billions of kilograms. However, the editorial never really took into account the possible downside of such use to the environment. One is the possible biochemical instability that may take place once a new genetic material is introduced into the environment. Unanticipated interaction may take place considering the lack of precedence in using such materials.
Another issue that was tackled in the said editorial is the Pres. claim on the starvation and the use of GM foods being its saving grace “for the sake of a continent threatened by famine.” The problem in this situation is that the President’s claim is uncalled for. The editorial did not discount that the issue of famine on other countries is an offshoot of geographical, political and economic elements inherent to the said states. To illustrate, countries in Africa are indeed unfortunately marred by famine. The economic turmoil that exists in the said nations bars them from feeding its people. Moreover, the terrain in most African states would not be able to sustain its agricultural activities provided that GM crops are provided to them to address their crisis on food shortage.
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