Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Week 1: GM Crops - Blatt

Harvey Blatt reminds us that we as Americans are not powerless. In fact, once we become well informed and are aware of the facts about genetically modified crops and the America food industry, then we can essentially make a difference by the choices we make as consumers. Blatt also asks us to think about the consequences of eating food so far removed from agriculture, why unhealthy food is cheap, and why there is hunger when food production has increased so dramatically.

I found it interesting on how Blatt mentioned that the European Union prohibits genetically modified crops, but seven member countries grow small amounts of the genetically modified crops. Also, how some African countries such as Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, consider genetically modified crops to be dangerous, and only imports these foods if they are first grounded in powder so that they can not be planted. It’s fascinating to countries still take stand against genetically modified crops, even though these countries are currently facing starvation. The stance against genetically modified organisms that these African countries take, tells me that these countries highly believe in doing right by their people, by not fully giving into the genetically modified crops business. I feel as though if these currently starving African countries used the genetically modified crops, then it could perhaps add to the existing health problems that these countries presently face, instead of doing these African countries justice.

Questions:
  • Will investing into the genetically modified crops business is consider a sustainable act towards food security for developing starving country?
  • What is the hold up for not feeding malnourished and famished people if there is enough food to feed everyone in the world?

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