Genetically Modified Crop Plants - Assignment Example

Genetically modified crop plants Gene technology is widespread across different sectors of the globe during the contemporary period. However, this technology carries with it social and ethical implications many of which endanger personal views. As such, this paper seeks to evaluate how this technology is applied to crop production. The paper will also discuss the ethical implications of this kind of technology. The last part of the part is a personal reflection on how the writer views this technology in view of the health concerns of the targeted consumers. Basically, “when a gene from one organism is purposely moved to improve or change another organism in a laboratory, the result is a genetically modified organism (GMO)” (Baciluss, nd). There are different ways of moving genes in both animals and plants in order to produce the desired outcome. Due to improvements in technology these days, genetic modification can be done in laboratories. When this technology is performed on crops, and the plants are regarded as Genetically Modified Crops (GM crops). In crop production, there are mainly two processes known as organic and inorganic food production. Organic methods of food production often involve the use of natural products such as manure or composts. On the other hand, inorganic products are often produced through the use of artificial chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides. These additional additives modify the final output and this may have negative impacts on the health of people and animals as well as the environment. In most cases, genetic technology on crop production is meant to increase the yield. Inorganic food production is likely to double what is produced through organic means even if the quantity may be the same. In recent years, it can be seen that the concept of ‘ethics’ has played an increasing role in food production and marketing. Basically, business ethics refer to the values, principles and standards that operate within business and these attempt to make a distinction between something that is morally good from bad (Rossouw, 2004). Ethics in business shape the values of the people involved and these should never “be compromised for financial gain or short term expediency,” (DesJardins, 2006, p.5). However, it can be seen that ethics are often compromised in as far as crop production is concerned in some instances. In terms of crop production and marketing, ethics often relate to issues such as the healthiness of food, its impact on the environment as well as social impacts of the outputs on the targeted people. As noted, genetically modified crops are used for food and they are consumed by people from different parts of the globe. However, some people often consume this type of food unknowingly which calls for the producers to be transparent and provide as much information as possible about their products to the targeted audiences. Genetically modified plants have often been criticised as a result of their side effects on the health of people in the long run. It may not be readily concluded that genetically modified crops are dangerous to health research has shown that these products have long term effects on the health of the people. These products are fast tracked under artificial conditions to meet market demands and there are likely chances that they are detrimental to the health of people in the long run. Research has shown that “the increased use of genetically modified crops would lead to health issues and would result in the boom of medicines to treat the same which would become a vicious corporate cycle,” (The Hindu, 2014). This is an issue of ethical concern given that the health interests of the people involved are put at risk. The other issue is that some people are not aware of what they are consuming which brings us to the issue of ethics in business. The use of chemicals and pesticides in the production of food is also dangerous to the ecosystem. Other plants and animals are negatively impacted by the use of pesticides. Besides the issue of side effects on health that can be caused by genetically modified crops, it can be seen that they are beneficial somehow to the people. Crop production is significantly improved and this helps to avert hunger and starvation especially in areas that are known for poor crop production. Countries in the Sub Saharan region in particular are prone to unfavorable weather conditions such as droughts. These countries often rely on GMOs from donors and millions of lives are saved each year. The impact of GMOs is not instant and in some cases, these products are not as bad as we are made to believe. An increase in yields through the use of genetic technology is advantageous in that the producers will also earn more money. In my own opinion, I think genetic plants should not be used for food consumption by humans. The fact that they cause side effects to human health is evident enough that they are not good for human consumption in the long run. What makes matters worse is that some marketers do not tell the truth about the originality of their products. This often results in consumers buying genetically modified products in dark. Therefore, I think the producers of such kind of food should be truthful as much as possible so that they do not jeopardize the lives of unsuspecting consumers. It is also the duty of the producers of food to make sure that their actions are not detrimental to the environment. I think it will be a good idea for all the people involved in food production to ensure that they provide information about the status of their products. This will help the consumers to make informed decisions rather than suffer in darkness. Whilst it can be observed that GMOs avert disasters such as hunger and starvation, I am of the view that health and safety concerns of the consumers should be given priority. Over and above, it can be observed that genetic technology is widespread in different parts of the globe particularly in food production. The technology is mainly used to improve production especially of food. However, this practice has been criticised as a result of the fact that it impacts negatively on the health of people as well as the environment. To a larger extent, it can be seen that the side effects of GMOs are a cause for concern on the welfare of the people in the long run. Concerted efforts should be made in order to make sure that this practice is under checked. References Bacillus (ND). “Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO).” Viewed from: . DesJardins J. (2006). An introduction to business ethics. 2nd Edition. Boston. McGraw Hill International Edition. Rossouw D. (2004). Business Ethics: 3rd Edition. Oxford. Oxford University Press. The Hindu (25 May, 2014). “Beware of ill effects of genetically modified organisms, farmers told” Viewed from: . Read More