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Debating GMOs in the Third World: Naming and Framing in the GMO Debate

This lecture discusses the "Naming and Framing" strategies used in the GMO debate, focusing on the case of GMOs in Brazil. It explores the different perspectives on GMOs, including their potential as a threat or a rallying point. The lecture also examines the two GMO technologies - "Roundup Ready" and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops - and the arguments for and against their adoption. Additionally, it delves into the issues of food security, increased yields, and the impact of capitalism on farm incomes.

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Debating GMOs in the Third World: Naming and Framing in the GMO Debate

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  1. LECTURE GEOG 270 Fall 2007 November 19, 2007 Joe Hannah, PhD Department of Geography University of Washington

  2. Debating GMOs in the Third World “Naming and Framing”

  3. To Do Today • Recap last time: Kacy McKinney’s talk • Two GMO technologies • “Naming and Framing” in the GMO debate

  4. Kacy McKinney’s talk:MST, Land and GMOs in Brazil • Interesting case of stakeholder response • “Landless Peasants” “Land should be used to fulfill its larger social functions.”

  5. GMOs: A threat? A rallying point? • Against legalization of GMOs (successful until 2004) • Lobby, demonstrate, raise awareness • Exposed illegal plantings • GMOs promoted by MNCs: “Privatization of development?” • Roles of state, corporations, social movements: Peaceful? Violent?

  6. Two Technologies • “Roundup ready” crops • “Bt” crops

  7. One GMO Technology:“Roundup Ready”

  8. Another Technology:Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) http://www.scq.ubc.ca/?p=262 http://www.biotech.iastate.edu/biotech_info_series/bio9.html http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/plantpath/corn/ecb/bteardam.html

  9. “Naming and Framing” in the GMO Debate • Food Security / Feeding the World • Increased yields – fact or fiction? • Environmental risk • Capitalism & Farm Incomes McGloughlin vs. Altieri & Rossett

  10. Population swelling Hunger has complex roots; more food will help Not increasing productivity will lead to famine Integrated agr is inefficient and will lead to under-production GMOs are humanitarian-driven Hunger problem not due to too little food or to large population More productivity is a distraction from massive social/political problems Integrated agr will give household food secruity GMOs are profit driven Will GMO crops help feed the world’s exploding population? McGloughlin Altieri & Rossett

  11. Yes! (cites studies) (But much of the argument is centered around economics of GMOs for farm profits) No! No real difference in yields in most cases (cites a study) Do GMOs give higher yield? McGloughlin Altieri & Rossett

  12. Reduced use of agricultural chemicals Increased biodiversity Risks of eating GMOS “alarmist” Increased use of chemicals Decreased biodiversity Risks of eating GMOs understudied, “unpredictable” Environmental risks McGloughlin Altieri & Rossett

  13. Conventional systems use more chemicals, cost more GMOs reduce costs, increase yields Why such high rates of adoption? GMOs tie farmer into neoliberal world economy Self-sufficiency, seed sharing Need to build agric. that nurtures community Capitalism and Farm Income McGloughlin Altieri & Rossett Political Agendas???

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