EEE 105EEE 105

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AgricultureAgriculture

Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically Modified Crops

Monsanto

Bacillus thuringiensis e.g. Bt crops

a common soil bacterium produces an insecticidal protein long used by organic gardeners

bt gene inserted into crop genomes

Genetically Modified Crops

Bt corn

2001

64%

24%

Bt cornThe Starlink fiasco

Bt cornCry9C protein not digested is it allergenic?

Bt corn

Cry9C

Taco Bell

Bt corn

Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically Modified Crops• 1998 European Union bans new GMO crops• “Frankenfoods”• Japan & South Korea follow• 10/01 EU requires labeling of GMO crops• U.S. rejected labeling

Genetically Modified Crops

Bt cornIs Bt harming good insects?

Genetically Modified Crops

Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management

understand biology of pest & crop

seek to restrain, not eliminate, pest

combine genetic, chemical, biological control methods

Integrated Pest Management

Livestock Farming

a family farm

Factory FarmingFactory Farming

• Mega hog farms• 10 million hogs in North Carolina• Hog waste lagoons

Factory Farming

Factory Farming

a true lagoon

a waste lagoona waste lagoon

one mega hog farm produces one mega hog farm produces as much waste as 12,000 people as much waste as 12,000 people

Factory Farming

Factory Farming

Factory Farming

Spills, seepageSpills, seepage

Factory Farming

Spills, seepageSpills, seepageFish killsFish kills

Factory FarmingPfiesteria -- the Cell from Hell

Spills, seepageSpills, seepageFish killsFish killsPfeisteria Pfeisteria -- the Cell From Hell-- the Cell From Hell

• 70% U.S. grain production fed to livestock

• 40% of antibiotic usage is in livestock feed

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolve in cattle & dairy industry

• U.S. Hormone-treated beef banned by Europe

Factory Farming

Factory FarmingBeefBeef

Factory FarmingBeefBeef

Cattle Feed lotsCattle Feed lots

Factory FarmingBeefBeef

Grass-fed cattle take 4-5 years to raiseGrass-fed cattle take 4-5 years to raise

Factory FarmingBeefBeef

Cattle Feed lotsCattle Feed lots

Reach 1200 lbs in 14 monthsReach 1200 lbs in 14 monthsCorn-fed beefCorn-fed beef

Factory FarmingBeefBeef

High is saturated fatsHigh is saturated fatsCorn-fed beefCorn-fed beef