While both sides of the debate have been objectively presented in this webpage, we would like to add in our own opinion, having taken both sides into consideration throughout our research. We understand the rationale behind anti-GM food movements, though we believe that such extreme opinions are a result of misinformation and overreaction. No food has been more extensively tested and researched than the genetically modified foods available in your grocery store. Not only that, fears of “frankenfoods” arising has not been realized despite their widespread introduction into the food supply for over ten years.
We feel that genetically modified foods have limitless potential and can play an important role in solving both current and future food crises worldwide. Furthermore, GE has the potential to further revolutionize agricultural technologies in the developing world. Not only will GM foods increase the abundance of food in the poorest nations, it can also cure or prevent illnesses derived from malnutrition in such nations, as exemplified by the success of the Golden Rice project.
However, we feel that there is still a lot of ignorance and misinformation surrounding GM foods. We feel that the big GM industries in the US and beyond should take a more active role in speading education and awareness about the potentials and successes as of this technology. For example, Monsanto has managed to earn somewhat of a negative image in the world community, especially the EU. If they were to lead a large scale education campaign, similar to that of Golden Rice, they could improve both the public perception of GM food as well as that of agricultural biotech companies. Many Americans know almost nothing about the technology that is present in 70% of foods available in most American grocery stores. Ignorance breeds fear, and this is a problem, as we need to encourage the further development of GM technologies in the years to come, not stunt their growth by creating a veil of fear around this industry.
