Abstract
The topic of genetically modified organisms has attracted diverse opinions from the general public for some time. The question as to whether foodstuffs modified genetically can be fit or unfit for human consumption still remains a debatable issue. Currently, a given percentage of the world’s population believe that these foodstuffs are fit for consumption, however, the rest of the population highly detest them. As for that reason, whenever the topic of genetically modified organisms comes into context, diverse opinions emerge.
Even though a significant population have all the reasons to ignore the genetically modified foodstuffs, they come with a wide range of advantages, as a matter of fact, the advantages and the disadvantages of genetically modified are almost at per. The reasons behind the reject of these foodstuffs are somehow valid yet still, the reasons given to its support are also valid as well. To be precise, people have been left wondering as to whether or not to consume these foodstuffs. Scientists and researchers have been working round the clock to unearth the underlying truth that surround the hotly contested topic.
Introduction
Apart from the genetically modified foods remaining a debatable issue for quite long, once again, its cost benefits also appear to be a debatable subject. Currently, the controversy is not only pegged on its suitability for human consumption but whether it has the said cost benefits. One cannot out rightly point out the benefits that comes with these foods, however, it is believed that these foods are somehow cheaper compared to the organic ones. Assessing the benefits associated with genetically modified foods proves a bit difficult as it requires an in-depth analysis of the same, moreover, one has to develop a worldview perspective in order to acknowledge both the pros and the cons of the topic (Weasel 2009).
Cost benefit analysis is an important issue in situations where the issue in context is a contentious one. For the case of food, it’s actually important to carry out a well formulated study since it’s an issue that significantly affects the livelihoods of the general public (Weasel 2009). The purchasing power of individuals depends on their financial capability, as for that reason, they will most likely go for the cheaper options. From statics obtained, it is believed that genetically modified foodstuffs are quite cheaper, this leaves people with only one option; they either buy the genetic foods or spend an extra coin to buy the organic. Several individuals always look at the economic side before going into any venture; even those with good finances.
Discussion
For one to commercialize GM crops, he must be at a good financial position to handle eventualities that may come up during the process of cultivation. As it has been the case, GM crops are prone to attack by various diseases. Moreover, the crops are new; effective anti-pesticides are yet to be developed. For commercial purposes, it proves very tricky owing to the fact that the yields can vary tremendously, nonetheless, the pricing are not stable (Campbell-Platt & Geoffrey 2011). From an economic perspective, it’s not economical to cultivate GM crops since they are expensive to cultivate while their market prices are relatively lower. Today, attention is slowly shifting to genetically modified foods, thereby leading to a high supply, as business would put it, when the supply is high; the prices go down.
GMO foods are environmentally friendly as there is little use of pesticides and herbicides. The primary intention of developing GMO foods was to come up with disease resistant breeds that thrive even in the presence of deadly crop infections. As for that reason, these crops needs very little treatment. Statistics has revealed that GMO foods come with several environmental benefits (Hilbeck 2015). A practical example is that these crops do not lead to water pollution, in the past, organic crops were heavily sprayed by a number of hazardous chemicals, unfortunately, these chemicals ended up in the rivers leading to massive water pollution. Fortunately, with the development of GMO foods, water pollution has been significantly reduced more in countries that have fully embraced the plant technology.
Conclusion
Several countries in the United States of America are currently using GM crops. In Africa, South Africa has adopted plant engineering, as an African nation, it’s the only country that has food security not only in the southern region but the whole continent. It’s quite clear that the cost benefits of GM crops are more, as for that reason, GM crops should be readily adopted. Environmentally, GM crops come with several advantages (Daniel, Maria & Ehud, 2012).
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