To GM or Not to GM?By:

Francesca Trianni, Ya’arah Pinhas, Cecilia Hackerson and Ben Barczewski

Background

1953: Genetic code and structure of DNA discoveredEarly 1980’s: Genetically modified plants were first createdEarly 1990’s: First GM foods available to the publicPost 1990’s: GM crops have dominated U.S. agriculture

Benefits

Improved resistance to disease, pests, herbicides, cold, draught, salinity, and disease.

Monsanto & Herbicides“Quality traits” such as flavor, aesthetics, and shelf-life

FLAVR SAVR TomatoNutrition

Golden Rice - enhanced Vitamin A

Environmental ImpactsOverall Benefits:

Increased yield, and profitabilityMore food = less hungry peopleMore nutritional food = less malnourished peopleIncreased global food security  

Threats to Biodiversity

Transgenic Organisms without cultivationGene FlowIndirect Effects

Loss of biodiversity and alteration of soil ecosystems

Changes in Viral DiseasesEvolution of Resistance

Policy

Three Regulatory AgenciesFDA, USDA, EPA

StarLink Case StudyGovernment’s Role in regulating food safety

Proposed LegislationGenetically Engineered Safety Act-H.R. 6635Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act-H.R. 6636Geneticaly Engineered Technology Farmer Protection Act-H.R. 6637

Future

Three possible future scenarios“Rosy Future”“Continental Islands”“Biotech Goes Niche”

ConclusionsBy 2050 population will reach 9 to 13 billionImportant to balance sustainability with growing enough foodBiotech could be a valuable resource to accomplish thisCaution needs to be used to mitigate negative effects