Genetically Modified Foods

1. Genetically Modified Foods

2. Elite seed genetics Cutting-edge traits • High-yielding conventional and biotech seeds • corn, soybean, cotton, wheat, canola, sorghum and sugar cane • Crop protection solutions • Human innovation is at the center of human progress. • committed to preserving and building sources of non-GMO products, educating consumers, and providing verified non-GMO choices.

3. What are GMO’s? • have had specific changes introduced into their DNA by genetic engineeringtechniques • engineered for faster growth, resistance to pathogens, production of extra nutrients, or any other beneficial purpose • advanced traits and technologies that enable more nutritious and durable crops • is the process of inserting a gene from one species, like a plant or a bacterium, into another species. Typically the gene inserted will express an advantageous characteristic in the plant, such as the ability to tolerate environmental pressures, like insect resistance or drought tolerance. At Monsanto our biotechnology work is concentrated on but not limited to corn, cotton, soybeans and canola • the EPA evaluates GM plants for environmental safety, the USDA evaluates whether the plant is safe to grow, and the FDA evaluates whether the plant is safe to eat. • The first large acreage plantings of GM crops--herbicide tolerant soybeans and canola--took place in 1996 after successfully passing U.S. regulatory review. Since then, additional GM crops with herbicide tolerance, insect tolerance and virus resistance have been given clearance for planting and consumption. • Existing, approved GM crops are substantially equivalent to conventional counterparts. they have similar concentrations of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, amino acids, fiber, vitamins and a variety of other components. What is different is the DNA.

4. Are GMO’s safe to eat? • FDA (Food and Drug Administration) • U.S. Department of Agriculture • EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) • evaluating allergenicity • product safety checklist • food from GM crops determined to be substantially equivalent is not expected to pose any health risks • Introducing a gene into a plant that may create a new allergen • Transfer of antibiotic resistance markers • Unknown effects on human health-- No long-term rigorous safety testing of GMOs is required • Companies working to create new GM foods are not required to consult the FDA-- we wish this to be mandatory. All GM food products must be approved by the FDA before being released on the market. • Aging • Cancer

5. What are the impacts of GMO’s on the environment? • At Monsanto we’ve pledged to conserve resources through developing seeds that use one-third fewer key resources per unit of output to grow crops while working to lessen habitat loss and improve water quality. It’s all about keeping up with demand responsibly • bio diversity of tropical rainforests or other ecologically sensitive areas can only b e maintained if these natural ecosystems are not destroyed because of the expansion of the agricultural land base. Biotech crops can alleviate pressure to expand agricultural areas by increasing yields with improved pest resistance and increased tolerance to drought or saline soil conditions. • The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with GM crops for 2006 is estimated to be equal to removing more than half a million cars from the road. • Today,morethan 40% of earths surface is used for agriculture And only a portion the land that is left is currently suitable for growing crops. • Harm soil quality, disrupt ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity • Gene transfer to non-target species • Reduce the ability of the GM crop to resist disease, pests, drought, or other stresses

6. What impact do GMO’s have on the economy? • farmers use less water and land, and better utilize things like fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides. • Some people believe the correct answer to our challenges is to move backwards in time toward an agricultural system that relies less on human innovations and more on human labor. • When the quality of farmers’ lives improves, they are in a better position to help feed the increased demands of a growing population • Raising prices of seeds-- small farmers and third world countries will not be able to afford seeds for GM crops • Farmers would need to buy a fresh supply of seeds each year to ensure organic crops.

7. What are the regulations on labeling GMO’s? • If a bioengineered food is significantly different from its traditional counterpart such that the common or usual name no longer adequately describes the new food, the name must be changed to describe the difference. • If an issue exists for the food or a constituent of the food regarding how the food is used or consequences of its use, a statement must be made on the label to describe the issue. • If a bioengineered food has a significantly different nutritional property, its label must reflect the difference. • If a new food includes an allergen that consumers would not expect to be present based on the name of the food, the presence of that allergen must be disclosed on the label. • The FDA's stance is that GM foods are substantially equivalent to unmodified, "natural" foods, and therefore not subject to FDA regulation. • Currently, mandatory labeling of GM foods have been proposed in the US, but not enacted. (H.R. 3553: Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act) • Consumers have a right to know what’s in their food • For religious or ethical reasons, many Americans want to avoid eating animal products, which include animal DNA.

8. Recommendation • Genetically-modified foods have the potential to solve many of the world's hunger and malnutrition problems, and to help protect and preserve the environment by increasing yield and reducing reliance upon chemical pesticides and herbicides. Yet there are many challenges ahead for governments, especially in the areas of safety testing, regulation, international policy and food labeling. Many people feel that genetic engineering is the inevitable wave of the future and that we cannot afford to ignore a technology that has such enormous potential benefits. However, we must proceed with caution to avoid causing unintended harm to human health and the environment as a result of our enthusiasm for this powerful technology.

9. questions • Are consumers willing to absorb the cost of labeling, regulating, and monitoring production of GMO products? • Who is to be responsible for educating the public about GM food labels? • After listening to this presentation, how do you feel about the production of GMO products? • Please think of more……