This post argues that GMOs are not bad, what’s actually bad is patenting genes and purposely designing crops to be sterile. A GMO, or genetically modified organism, refers to any organism whose genetic material has been altered through genetic engineering techniques. These techniques involve the manipulation of an organism’s DNA, often by introducing genes from another organism, to achieve desired traits or characteristics.
The process of creating GMOs typically involves isolating specific genes responsible for particular traits in one organism and inserting them into the genetic material of another organism. This can be done across different species, allowing for the transfer of genes between organisms that would not naturally breed or exchange genetic material.
GMOs can be found in various sectors, including agriculture, medicine, and research. In agriculture, genetically modified crops are the most well-known examples. These crops have been genetically engineered to possess traits such as resistance to pests, diseases, or herbicides, increased nutritional content, or improved tolerance to environmental conditions like drought or frost.
It’s worth noting that genetic modification has been a part of traditional breeding practices for centuries, where desirable traits are selectively bred over generations. However, modern genetic engineering techniques enable more precise and targeted modifications, often involving the direct manipulation of an organism’s genetic material in a laboratory setting.
The use of GMOs is a topic of debate and discussion, as there are varying perspectives on their benefits, risks, and ethical implications.
Let me go a step further:
Monsanto makes Roundup.
Their crops are made to be resistant to Roundup.
What this means is that farmers use more and more Roundup.
Roundup (glyphosate) has been found in almost all the food we eat, and there are conflicting studies as to whether or not it is safe to eat. Many groups and government claim that glyphosate is not a carcinogen when used in appropriate amounts, but they are all citing studies made BY MONSANTO. Other groups find that it is, indeed, a carcinogen, plus “appropriate amounts” is misleading, as farmers are putting on far more.
That is bad enough but it gets worse.
Glyphosate was designed to be an herbicide (basically kills all plants that aren’t Monsanto brand GMO) but it has been registered as a pesticide as well. The bugs that eat the plants (it doesn’t just get ON the food but IN it) get eaten by birds, which makes them sick. Since 1970, we’ve lost about 36% of the birds in the world. Perhaps it is coincidence, but glyphosate was first used in 1974.
It also disrupts the gut microbiome in bees that aren’t eating the plant but its pollen, as well as hinders a queen bee’s ability to produce eggs, eggs’ ability to turn to pupae, etc. all the way up the chain. It makes them vulnerable to diseases as well. Studies are ongoing, but at the moment it is looking more and more like a prime suspect in bee colony collapse which killed SO MANY BEES a few years ago.
BUT WAIT! There’s more.
Farmers have started spraying glyphosate on their crops more than once, and often right before harvest. This should be concerning on its own, but its use has increased dramatically. In 1996, they developed the roundup-resistant GMO crops, and since then the use of glyphosate has increased steadily, rising 15 fold more than before. When farmers use this much glyphosate (which they feel they HAVE to use because the government puts a standard price on their crops), a lot of it washes off due to rain or watering.
Into the streams and rivers and lakes.
The US Geological Survey did a study of 70 random waterways and found glyphosate in 66 of them. Many states label it as their primary water contaminant and are finding that it has a negative impact on the babies and skeletons of animals and humans and can cause “reproduction toxicity” in mammals. So much is being used that it has contaminated the ground water. It dissipates easily, but does not easily break down in water, meaning it spreads but remains dangerous.
What about the fish? I think you know the answer.
It causes widespread health concerns in fish, from predatory behavior to kidney and liver function to feeding behavior. It harms their gills and makes them lose weight. Studies by Monsanto and groups that support the industry claim glyphosate is only “mildly toxic” to birds and fish, while studies by environmental groups claim it is “acutely toxic” to them.
In short, this is just like what Big Tobacco did in the early 1900s to sell their products (falsified studies, lobbyists, money money money) and what Big Oil did in the 70s to try to convince us that lead poisoning wasn’t real (falsified studies, lobbyists, money money money).
GMOs are not bad for you. Roundup is bad for EVERYONE.