“Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification/manipulation (GM) and gene splicing are terms that apply to the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes.Genetic engineering is different from traditional breeding, where the organism’s genes are manipulated indirectly. Genetic engineering uses the techniques of molecular cloning and transformation to alter the structure and characteristics of genes directly.” Wikepedia

Genetic engineering is a relatively new avenue of science offering humans the tool of deliberate mutation of natural species for their own ends and design.  The process of genetic engineering involves several steps. These are isolation of particular genes and their insertion into what is known as a transfer vector or medium, then this transferred to the organism that is the focus of the work. Then the cells of the organism are transformed or modified ready for application largely but not solely in the sphere of plants and food crops.

There has been much controversy on this important issue that will affect us and our children into the future. We need to avoid any hint of propaganda in relation to a subject that can so easily be accepted as being right if we are persuaded for instance that the method is a means of saving children of the world and reducing starvation.

1. Its general application will cause all advances in previous work on agriculture, plant breeding by selection, and efforts to produce organically produced healthy food for human consumption to be rejected.
2. Farmers using GM seed crops cannot avoid intrusion upon any organic farm or conventional farming methods of their neighbours. It is shown that it is impossible to contain the GM cropping method within any boundary. It is not possible for GM farmers to guarantee that their plants will not contaminate others who do not choose these methods.
3. GM produced seed results in differences in the end product. These are not always detected or recognized by human senses but can potentially harm humans and in other creatures are thought to cause alterations and aberrations in behavior in certain insects, birds and bees in particular.
4. Bees are sensitive to the new chemical constituents and changing qualities of crops, and some farmers report their demise. The drop in numbers is causing great concern not only to farmers and to honey producers but to every naturalist and gardener who loves plants and wishes for their continuation along the lines nature intends.
5. Nutritional value is degraded in GM foods. Although the appearance of produce will seem enhanced, taste is altered negatively so that no previously appreciated fresh fruit and vegetable reflects the previous attraction to consumers. This is a serious issue affecting the market.
6. By the insistence of marketing ploys of commercial seed producing companies, pressure is being exerted to ensure that GM seed is seen as the preferred choice. This will ensure future profits to those companies that specialize in an increasing market.
7. Government restraints to protect the integrity of current conventional farming methods are not seen to be vigorous enough to defend against marketing bullying that threatens to dispose of freedom of choice re selection of seed. This is another factor that threatens our agricultural industry and the dignity of farmers who are not being given acknowledgement as the most important of all our producers.
8. 3 genetically modified crops were first permitted in Europe and approved for food production and permitted import. These were soya beans, sweet corn, and canola (rape). All are resistant to crop spray. Genetically modified chicory lettuce was also approved for cultivation. The European Union was cautious and decided to cease approvals in order to allow further time for evaluating risks and determining regulations regarding labeling.
9. By 2001 the area of genetically modified crops of both food and non-food crops had grown globally to 52.6 million hectares, an area corresponding to that of France or Spain. But it was only four countries that were producing 99% of the world’s genetically modified crops – USA being the largest producer, followed by Argentina, and then Canada and China.
10. The risk factor is a serious agricultural issue, with much opposition coming from those who are ecologically aware or who value the natural organic system of agriculture. Consumers also face health concerns. Those who choose to minimize butter and dairy foods in their diet also face problems with the huge use of canola oil as a substitute in commercial food production. Heated vegetable oils, including canola are now known to be one of the main causes of macular degeneration, an eye condition now increasing in the community with the potential to endanger eyesight of thousands. We have yet to learn all the health risks of genetic engineering.
11. From 1994 when tomato was released on the market as a genetically modified crop it has retained its place in commercial food production. It was modified in order to promote a more attractive, longer shelf life product but has failed miserably in maintaining or improving flavor. Many are reduced to cultivating their own home grown tomatoes from ‘heritage’ or old fashioned strains that are becoming more difficult to procure as commercial seed giant companies inflict their will on the agricultural community.
12. Dangers to health – whilst science has yet to prove the direct harm that is generated upon consumers of these foods, the consumer if left to make his choices. Americans, who have been eating this quality of food longest, are now used to the taste and quality. Familiarity has no doubt taken the sharp edge off their sensitivity that would inform them of any degree of drop in quality. Taste and nutritional benefit have been sacrificed in order to produce a ‘long-life’ fruit or vegetable that looks good and is easier to transport.
13. Many so called scientific ‘advancements’ have been made over recent years. Scientists have transferred a gene to the canola or rape plant enabling it to resist a particular pesticide. This allows the farmer to spray his modified crop with pesticides that do not kill the plants. Corn, soya beans and sugar cane have also been genetically modified by scientists in this way. This may be a tremendous commercial plus for producers and distributors of these pesticides but when the farmers eventually find that pests can become resistant to the spray the whole exercise is negated.
14. There are important factors to influence long term use of GM. Genes from genetically modified crops have potential to be transferred to the insect pests as well as some weeds. The pests then would become resistant to the crop spray and crop spraying becomes useless. Weeds could become an even greater problem that their original role as a pest plant.
15. New agricultural sprays need to be developed alongside GM food crops. This would seem to command the success or otherwise of the technology related to genetically engineering and make questionable the value in trying to alter natural plants and material.
16. Aggressive insecticide sweet corn is called Bt-corn, a genetically modified sweet corn that produces a poison which kills harmful insects. The insect-killing gene in the plant comes from bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis.This would seem to relieve the farmer of the need to fight insects with insecticides. But insects over a period become immune and many ‘good’ insects are killed with the risk of negative consequences to the ecological system. Other crops such as cotton and potatoes are other examples of plants genetically modified to produce inherent insecticide in their structure.
17. Golden rice is genetically modified rice that now contains a large amount of beta-carotene that is converted by the body into vitamin A. It is marketed offering consumers increased nutritional vitamin A.  For the golden rice to make beta-carotene, three new genes are implanted. Two of these are introduced from daffodils and the third from a bacterium. Consumers are not informed of the derivation.
18. The claim that the FDA in America has properly evaluated GM foods and declared them safe is challenged by evidence arising from a lawsuit when documents presented showed that scientists warned of potential dangers, urging safety testing. Risks considered included creation of new toxins and new diseases that may well be difficult to detect and identify as well as nutritional problems that can be anticipated as an ongoing result. All warnings were ignored by the panel which regrettably could have been biased by the inclusion of a member associated with Monsanto and many fear that decisions have been based upon commercial and political rather then sound science. The official policy does not require manufacturers to provide evidence of safety testing before release of GM foods on the market.
    It seems that consumers have no umbrella protection agency of government on this issue and must depend upon independent scientific establishments to provide data. The Royal Society of Canada declared it ‘scientifically unjustifiable’ to assume GM foods are safe and this was echoed by the UK Royal Society that recommended no GM foods be included in the diet of pregnant or breast feeding women, babies, the aged and those with chronic health problems. We must take heed that many scientists warn of increasing allergies arising in the future.
19. Results of a single recorded trial showed that genetically engineered genes from soy were transferred to bacteria in the gastro intestinal tract in spite of previous thought from the biotech industry that this would not be possible. Many scientists including those within the World Health Organization (WHO) now fear that the introduction of antibiotic resistant genes that are used in some GM foods could cause conditions that would generate serious new diseases that have been predicted would prove immune to medical antibiotic treatment.
20. What may turn out to be more potent a technology than almost any other is being released into our food chain, not only the human food chain of the planet, but into all realms including the plant and insect worlds.  This technological knowledge is a confronting issue and we will depend upon the freedom of specialist scientists to make decisions that will affect our welfare, for good or ill. Whatever results in either our protection or harm will affect generations to come.

However, on the personal level, as consumers, we reserve our freedom to become properly informed and to make choices accordingly. There are about 5,000,000 listings on the internet regarding GM foods and many other associated subjects.

It is mandatory for GM foods to be identified on food labels in Australia and New Zealand.   These requirements became law in December 2001 and were put in place by food ministers to assist consumers to purchase or avoid GM foods, depending on their own views and beliefs.

Tags: caution needed with GM, GM risks, mutations out of control, natural foods, organic foods threat

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