GMO Argumentative Essay

1048 Words5 Pages

As Thomas Jefferson once said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.”. Advancements in technology help farmers increase profitability and stay competitive. With the introduction of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, production agriculturists are able to produce more than ever. Since the approval of the very first GMO, in 1982, farmers have been able to sustain the growing population. The introduction of genetic modification has brought long lasting benefits that have forever changed agricultural methods. GMOs have increased yields, improved global food security, created pharmaceutical breakthroughs, conserved natural resources, created jobs, etc proving …show more content…

The result was groundbreaking, the bacteria was now successfully embedded with a resistance to the specific antibiotic. Seven years later, in 1970 the supreme court allowed genetically engineered crops to be patented, thus creating a market for the beginning of a useful sustainable farming method. Soon after, biotechnologist began attempting to create mutations of certain crops to be resistant to the chemicals that are used to inhibit weed growth. Currently, over 92 percent of all commercial plants are genetically engineered in some way. (United States Department of Agriculture) For example, over 92 percent of all corn is genetically modified to be resistant to herbicide glyphosate, or Roundup that is used to inhibit weed growth. As well as, 94 percent of cotton is genetically modified to increase yield productivity during droughts. (Center for Food Safety) Even Whole Foods’ brand of corn flakes that claims to be organic, therefore deemed safer, uses genetically modified corn. GMOs have taken over the agriculture industry while aiding to some of the most detrimental