Essay Sample on The Benefits of Genetically Modified Plants

According to the Genetic Literacy Project, genetically modified crops were planted in over 190 million hectares (469.5 million acres) by more than 18 million farmers in 29 countries during 2019 (ProCon). GMOs, which stand for genetically modified organisms, are a form of biotechnology in which living things such as plants have had their genetic code altered in order to give them desirable effects. Scientists do this by picking out an advantageous gene and then inserting it into the DNA in the nucleus of a single cell. That single cell will then start to divide and grow into a whole plant (Meilan). Humans have used traditional modification methods such as selectively breeding plants to get the most desirable traits for a very long time. Genetic modification, on the other hand, is a relatively new way to change plants as it was developed in the 1970’s (FDA). This is a very significant topic as there is still a lot to learn about GMOs and the effects that they have. The genetic modification of plants is beneficial to humanity by being healthier, more cost effective, and leading to a better environment.

First and foremost, GMOs are actually healthier and provide more nutrition than their non-modified counterparts. For example, there are soybeans that have been genetically modified to be high oleic and contain an improved oil profile, which makes them last longer and trans-fat free (Lemaux). These are just one of the many foods with enhanced nutritional value gained from genetic modification. People can be healthier when eating GMOs by cutting out bad things like trans-fat while gaining more important nutrients. The improved nutrition can also greatly help people in third world countries that have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For instance, Scientists developed a GMO called Golden Rice that helps fight vitamin A deficiency, which is the number one cause of childhood blindness in developing countries (ProCon). This is an amazing way that people can be helped and it is possible because of GMOs. Without genetic modification, these people would not be able to get enough nutrients. Contrary to popular belief, GMOs are actually very healthy and nutritious.

Furthermore, genetically modified crops lower the price of food. The added traits of insect-resistance and drought-resistance greatly increase yields, allowing farmers to grow more food with less land and chemicals (gmoanswers). Since farmers are able to grow food more efficiently, they produce higher yields of crops whilst spending less money. This translates to food costing less at the store and regular people not having to spend as much money. On top of that, GMOs can help reduce world hunger. According to David Zilberman, genetically modified crops have increased the production of corn, soy, and cotton by 20 to 30 percent, allowing some people to survive who would have not been able to otherwise (ProCon). This is possibly the best thing that GMOs have the potential to do. As nearly 700 million people face hunger every day, the decreased cost and increased yield that GMOs provide can help to feed them. Overall, the increased yields of GMO crops helps to lower the costs and help feed millions of people.

Finally, genetic modification of plants can help the environment. For example, better weed control allows farmers to till the soil a lot less than usual, leading to improved soil health and water retention, reduced runoff, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (gmoanswers). These are all great effects on the environment that are gained from the use of GMOs. In order to take care of the environment, it is the best option to use GMOs. The reduced greenhouse gas emissions will also help to combat climate change and pollution. Water retention is also a great benefit of GMOs, as there will be less water waste. Another improvement to the environment is that over 80% of corn grown in the United States is GMO Bt corn, a corn which makes its own insecticide (ProCon). This has greatly reduced the need for spraying insecticides and chemicals all over fields of crops. The reduction of chemicals is better for the environment and should help to reduce damage to the crops. Altogether, GMOs are significantly better for the environment than regular crops.

Considering all of the facts, producing and consuming genetically modified plants is very helpful to humanity. GMOs provide many great benefits in the form of nutritional value, lower costs that help with world hunger, and being more environmentally friendly. This form of biotechnology should continue to be developed in order to keep benefiting humanity. 

Works Cited

Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. “Science and History of GMOs and Other Food Modification Processes.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 17 Feb. 2022, www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/science-and-history-gmos-and-other-food-modification-processes. 

Facts, Best Food, and Peggy Lemaux PHD. “GMOs and Human Health | BestFoodFacts.Org.” Best Food Facts, 18 Apr. 2018, www.bestfoodfacts.org/gmo-human-health.

“Key Ways GMO Crops Help Fight Pests and Benefit the Environment.” GMO Answers, gmoanswers.com/key-ways-gmo-crops-help-fight-pests-and-help-the-environment. Accessed 19 Apr. 2022.

Meilan, Rick. “What Are GMOs?” Purdue, ag.purdue.edu/GMOs/Pages/WhatareGMOs.aspx. Accessed 19 Apr. 2022.

ProCon.org. “GMO Pros and Cons - Should Genetically Modified Organisms Be Grown?” ProCon.Org, 11 Feb. 2022, www.procon.org/headlines/gmos-top-3-pros-and-cons.