EVALUATING THE BENEFITS AND HARMFUL EFFECTS OF GMOs 6

Research Essay Proposal

Berhanu Shashego

University of Minnesota Crookston

Composition II

Nov 2020

Introduction

For this research proposal, I would like to assess genetically modified food (GMO). The phrase genetically modified organisms have become a contentious subject. This is because, consumables of this nature benefit farmer and the users and at the same time, they pose adverse health effects for both consumers and the environment. The general public is increasingly questioning the ethics standards and safety issues posed by GMOs. Seemingly the general public is concerned about the short and long terms health concerns posed by consuming food that is modified genetically. To determine the strengths and drawbacks of GM diets, complex experiments have been carried out around the world separately (Fernbach et al., 2019). In this research paper, I aim to conduct an in-depth search of the existing advantages and disadvantages of genetically modified food that exist in the American context.

In this proposal, I will try to retain impartiality and objectivity of a logic scientific research. Personally, I have always not supported GMOs at any point in my life. Fundamentally, I believe that GMO was introduced to benefit humankind; however, it carries with it potential risks as well as benefits. Despite my biased stand, I am hoping as I explore further about this sensitive issue, I will gain a more empirical understanding. The primary purpose is to build a more informed argument about the increased use of GMO since the first bacteria resistant tobacco was genetically modified in the 1980s (Fernbach et al., 2019). My intended beneficiaries of the research are my colleagues, my course instructors, nutritionists and future researchers who will conduct further investigation to add in the existing body of knowledge.

Research Question. Are there advantages and disadvantages of GMOs in the United States?

Literature Review

I read an article on the internet, and I developed a great enthusiasm for GMOs. In this journal of research about crop improvement for sustainability, Yadav and his co-authors found GMOs as beneficial. Since 1996, biotech GM crops have led and enhanced productivity and economic benefits to the security of food and feed. In 2016, biotech seeds alone had a market valuation of roughly US$ 15.8 billion in US$. The productivity of biotech crops rose by 574 million tons, and small-scale farmers’ economic profits hit 167.8 billion US dollars. The same article found major demerits of GMOs (Yadav et al., 2018). First, they argued that the resistance genes are toxic and have non-target effects on environmentally friendly living organisms. However, from their perspective, this effect has not yet been examined thoroughly.

In another research, The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and medicine that examined the human health effects of GMOs. Their significant findings conformed that Crops plants produce various chemical naturally to keep off pathogens and herbivores (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (, 2016). Therefore, a number of these elements can be harmful to the human population when used up in huge quantities.

Search Plan for data sources

I seek to have a wide range of perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of GMOs. For reliable information, I tend to interview with agricultural research organizations. This is important since I will gather facts from an expert’s point of view. I will also interview with farmers who have continuously planted GMO food for the last five year. This would include crops such as corn, potatoes, alfalfa, canola, soybeans and papaya o among others. This interview will also examine the perceived effects of GMOs from the farmers’ point of view.

In addition to the interview, I will do an in-depth search of peer-reviewed research publications. This included research that primarily examined the benefits and disadvantages of GMOs.

Annotated Bibliographies

Zhang, C., Wohlhueter, R., & Zhang, H. (2016). Genetically modified foods: A critical review of their promise and problems. Food Science and Human Wellness, 5(3), 116-123.

In this publication, the author conducted a systematic search to review the promises and problem of genetically modified food. This book provides a detailed introduction about GMOs and the factors that instigated the implementation of GMO. Some benefits, as well as disadvantages, has been explained. I will use this book as a guidance and a source of insights for my research process.

Dona, A., & Arvanitoyannis, I. S. (2009). Health risks of genetically modified foods. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 49(2), 164-175.

In this research, the authors were concerned about the health safety of consuming GMOs. They examined various studies that have examined animals toxicity among animal fed on GMOs. They found that GMO toxically affects specific body organs. They inferred that this infect could also affect human beings. This research is fundamental since it has discussed and explained how genes and chemicals used in GMO could affect body organs. I will therefore use this publication as reference material.

Qaim, M. (2010). The benefits of genetically modified crops—And the costs of inefficient regulation. Weekly Policy Commentary.

In this publication, the author aligned his studies towards assessing the benefits of GMOs. He has explained how desired traits in a plant are modified to give more results. Furthermore, he has acknowledged and hauled that GMO was introduced to deal with issues of food security in the world where the population is increasing. At the same time, arable lands remain constant and continuously declining in productivity. This publication is essential for my research since we synonymously share the same topic of interest with the author. I will use it for insights and references.

References

Fernbach, P. M., Light, N., Scott, S. E., Inbar, Y., & Rozin, P. (2019). Extreme opponents of genetically modified foods know the least but think they know the most. Nature Human Behaviour, 3(3), 251-256.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Genetically engineered crops: experiences and prospects. National Academies Press.

Yadav, P. K., Kumar, S., Kumar, S., & Yadav, R. C. (2018). National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Genetically engineered crops: experiences and prospects. National Academies Press.