Are GM foods an answer to world hunger?

1. Click to watch video
GM Crops
Are Genetically Modified foods the
answer to world´s hunger?
Teacher Vieira, SEK-Atlántico www.sek.es

2. Why are GM crops spreading worldwide?
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/sec006group5/gm_food
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/gmo.htm

3. 
( U.S. Dept. Agriculture 2001)
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/sec006group5/gm_food

4. What are the advantages of GM crops?
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In groups of 3 or 4 come up with at least 4 advantages.

5. So… what is the ´catch´?
In groups of 3 or 4 agree on some disadvantages

6. Controversies
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by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/gmo.htm
Safety
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Potential human health impact: allergens, transfer of antibiotic resistance, unknown effects.
Potential environmental impact: unintended transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination, unknown effects
on other organisms (e.g., soil microbes), and loss of flora and fauna biodiversity
Access and Intellectual Property
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Increasing dependence on industrialized nations by developing countries
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Domination of world food production by a few companies
Biopiracy-foreign exploitation of natural resources
Ethics
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Tampering with nature by mixing genes among species
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Objections to consuming animal genes in plants and vice versa
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Violation of natural organisms' intrinsic values
Stress for animals
Labeling
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Not mandatory in some countries (e.g., United States)
Mixing GM crops with non-GM confounds labeling attempts
Society
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New advances may be skewed to interests of rich countries

7. Benefits
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by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/gmo.htm
Crops
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Reduced maturation time
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Increased nutrients, yields, and stress tolerance
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Improved resistance to disease, pests, and herbicides
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Enhanced taste and quality
New products and growing techniques
Animals
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Improved animal health and diagnostic methods
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Better yields of meat, eggs, and milk
Increased resistance, productivity, hardiness, and feed efficiency
Environment
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Conservation of soil, water, and energy
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Bioprocessing for forestry products
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Better natural waste management
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"Friendly" bioherbicides and bioinsecticides
More efficient processing
Society
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Increased food security for growing populations