Transgenic Crops: Safety Concerns Won't Go Away

Farming is such a dynamic process that continues to transform in many aspects. This agricultural practice used to be rooted in the traditional method of producing crops that grow patiently with the passing of definite periods of time - depending on what type of crop one was trying to produce. Now farming is made a lot quicker by the scientific method of genetic engineering.

It used to be that when crop producers wanted to have a better quality of their produce, all they had to do was crossbreed their crops to alter the genes. This traditional process is done over a period of years. With genetic engineering, though, the same result can be achieved at a much shorter period of time. In this "quicker farming" method, genes from a specific type of plant are copied and transferred into another type. What's obtained as a result is known as a "transgenic" plant. Such transgenic crops, when compared to those grown organically, are more resistant to pests and contain more of the desired nutrients. Another thing about genetic engineering that greatly favors crop producers is that it increases the yield of their produce.

But not a few people still look at genetically-modified crops with much concern, particularly on the issue of their being safe for consumption and on the effects they have on the environment. They contend that the safeguards currently in place are not sufficiently strong to protect the consumers. What if these transgenic crops turn into potential pests or weeds? What if they adversely affect the growth of other crops? What if they have unwanted characteristics that are passed on to other species? These are valid concerns that must be addressed satisfactorily by those who produce transgenic crops. And it is their responsibility to prove before the local food inspection authorities that their produce are safe for human consumption.

Transgenic crops are safe, argue biotechnologists. They counter that the process of genetic engineering is a product of years and years of scientific researches that were all geared towards two basic objectives: the production of high-quality crops in a shorter period of time and the safety of these crops to the environment and for both human and animal consumption. They maintain that the safeguards in place are strong enough to allay the fears of those who remain in doubt. As producers of transgenic crops, they are required by food inspection agencies to present convincing proofs that their produce are indeed safe for human and animal consumption. Only then will authorities issue them a clearance or permit for their produce to be distributed to the market.

The so-called x-factor is another issue that lingers in the minds of those who distrust transgenic crops. They fear that some unknown elements can suddenly appear in these transgenic products and harm the health of those who consume them.

For those who continue to be adamant about their negative impressions on transgenic crops, organic products that are industry-certified of course still abound. [Read the Original Article]