Works Cited

"Crops | The Center for Food Safety." The Center for Food Safety | Protecting Human Health and the Environment. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/campaign/genetically-engineered-food/crops/>.

"Genetically Modified Soybean." GMO Compass. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/grocery_shopping/crops/19.genetically_modified_soybean.html>.

"Monsanto | Crocodyl." Latest Corporate Research | Crocodyl. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.crocodyl.org/wiki/monsanto>.

ProQuest Staff. "At Issue: Genetically Modified Foods." ProQuest LLC. SIRS Researcher. Web. 03 May 2011.

"Weighing the GMO Arguments: for." FAO: FAO Home. Mar. 2003. Web. 09 May 2011. <http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom/focus/2003/gmo7.htm>.

Final paper

Ciara Hoff

Nancy Voggesser

College Writing

May 10^th, 2011

 Genetically Engineered Soybeans: Good or Bad?

            Have you ever tried soy milk, tofu, or soy sauce? If so, you've eaten some of the many products of soybeans. A common misconception about soybeans is that many organic food products are composed partly or entirely of soybeans because they are an organic crop. This isn't entirely untrue, but the majority of soybeans grown in the United States aren't entirely organic. You might be surprised to find that most soybean fields are grown from genetically modified seeds. These seeds have become so popular in the last couple decades that conventional soybeans (not genetically modified) are now the minority. Genetically modified soybeans have both good and bad effects on the food industry, the farmers that grow them, the people that eat them, and even the environment.

            If a food is labeled as organic, it means that it comes from products that have been farmed without using pesticides, antibiotics, synthetic fertilizers, or genetically altered organisms. Genetically modified soybeans, as indicated by their name, already defy one of the requirements for organic food. But this is hardly a concern for most people in the United States. In fact, 85% percent of soybeans grown here in the U.S. are genetically engineered (GMO Compass).

            GMO (genetically modified) soybeans are grown from seeds that Biotechnologists created to contain a gene that is resistant to herbicide and other pesticides, making them a much more reliable and profitable crop. Biotechnologists also claim that the GMO seeds grow a larger yield of soybeans in each crop, and that the GMO beans are higher in essential nutrients than conventional ones. GMO soybean fields are resistant to many of the dangers that opposed conventional crops for hundreds of years before: such as pests, frost, excessive heat, and even drought. This can allow farmers to grow more successful crops and lead a more financially stable lifestyle. GMO soybeans and other GMO products can also be beneficial to the environment. They allow farmers to farm more food from less land, and can last longer in storage on the way to the supermarket (GMO Compass, Weighing the GMO arguments [fao.org]).

            GMO soybeans and other crops of the like have disadvantages along with the advantages listed above. The primary concern of the Center for Food Safety is that GMO products can create serious health risks for humans, animals, and the environment. The consequences of GMO food on humans ranges from resistance to antibiotics, allergies, food poisoning, and even cancer. GMO soy beans are often put in animal feed, which could be giving the animals harmful toxins and hormones as well. Because of cross-pollination, GMO soy beans could easily contaminate other, conventional soybeans, which could ultimately lead to the extinction of conventional soybeans all together. This could be tremendously devastating to the environment and to us, since GMO products pose potential threats to human and animal health (Genetically Engineered Crops [centerforfoodsaftey.org].

            Although GMO soybean seeds provide more abundant and durable crops, they have some negative effects on the farmers as well. Monsanto is an agricultural corporation that sells about 90 percent of the GMO seeds in the United States. Monsanto was the first company to genetically engineer and patent "Round-Up Ready" seeds that are resistant to pesticides. Many farmers, under contract with Monsanto or not, have been sued for either saving their own soybean seeds, or illegally planting Monsanto's GMO seeds without a license (which can happen simply due to cross-pollination). These offenses are called "patent infringement" and have been used to keep farmers under control and in debt since the 1990's. Monsanto even has a staff of 75 policemen who are employed solely to investigate and prosecute farmers (Center for Food Safety, Company Profile: Monsanto [crocodyl.org]). 

            In conclusion, genetically modified soybeans have both good and bad qualities, and affect people and the environment in different ways. GMO soybeans may be more plentiful, nutritious, and durable; but they may also be harmful to our health, the environment, and the farmers that raise them. But it is unquestionable that, despite the potential risks, GMO seeds and agricultural products are a significant step forward for science and the food industry.

         

source 6 (FAO)

Weighing the GMO arguments: for

The arguments that have been put forward for the use of GMOs in agriculture include:

Potential benefits for agricultural productivity Better resistance to stress: If crops can be made more resistant to pest outbreaks, it would reduce the danger of crop failure. Similar benefits could result from better resistance to severe weather, such as frost, extreme heat or drought - although this would require manipulation of complex combinations of genes and appropriate pest management practices to avoid excessive selection pressure on the pest. More nutritious staple foods: By inserting genes into crops such as rice and wheat, we can increase their food value. For example, genes responsible for producing the precursor of vitamin A have been inserted into rice plants, which have higher levels of vitamin A in their grain. This is called Golden Rice. As rice feeds more than 50 percent of the world's population, it could help reduce vitamin A deficiency, which is a serious problem in the developing world. Many other similar products aimed at bio-fortification are in the production pipeline. More productive farm animals: Genes might be inserted into cattle to raise their milk yield, for example. Potential benefits for the environment More food from less land: Improved productivity from GMOs might mean that farmers in the next century won't have to bring so much marginal land into cultivation. GMOs might reduce the environmental impact of food production and industrial processes: Genetically engineered resistance to pests and diseases could greatly reduce the chemicals needed for crop protection, and it is already happening. Farmers are growing maize, cotton and potatoes that no longer have to be sprayed with the bacterial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis - because they produce its insecticidal agent themselves. Scientists are developing trees that have a lower content of lignin, a structuring constituent of woody plant cells. This could reduce the need for noxious chemicals in pulp and paper production. These developments could not only reduce environmental impact - they could also improve the health of farm and industrial workers. Rehabilitation of damaged or less-fertile land: Large areas of cropland in the developing world have become saline by unsustainable irrigation practices. Genetic modification could produce salt-tolerant varieties. Trees might also be improved or modified to become more tolerant of salt and drought. They might also be selected or bred for rehabilitation of degraded land. While there is some advanced research in this area, salt and drought tolerance are the result of quite complex gene combinations, and positive results will take longer than those providing insecticide and herbicide resistance. Bioremediation: Rehabilitation of damaged land may also become possible through organisms bred to restore nutrients and soil structure. Longer shelf lives: The genetic modification of fruits and vegetables can make them less likely to spoil in storage or on the way to market. This could expand trade opportunities as well as reduce massive wastage incurred in transport and supply. Biofuels: Organic matter could be bred to provide energy. Plant material fuel, or biomass, has enormous energy potential. For example, the waste from sugar cane or sorghum can provide energy, especially in rural areas. It may be possible to breed plants specifically for this purpose. And other unexpected, useful products could prove of huge value. Potential benefits for human health Investigation of diseases with genetic fingerprinting: "Fingerprinting" of animal and plant diseases is already possible. This technique allows researchers to know exactly what an organism is by looking at its genetic blueprint. One benefit may be that veterinary staff can know whether an animal is carrying a disease or has simply been vaccinated - preventing the need to kill healthy animals. Vaccines and medicines: Similar to the long-established development of biotechnological vaccines for humans, the use of molecular biology to develop vaccines and medicines for farm animals is proving quite successful and holds great promise for the future. Plants are being engineered to produce vaccines, proteins and other pharmaceutical products. This process is called "pharming". Identification of allergenic genes: Although some are worried about the transfer of allergenic genes (see Brazil nut example under arguments against GMOs), molecular biology could also be used to characterize allergens and remove them. Indeed, the Brazil nut incident actually led to identification of the allergenic protein.  March 2003 Notes: A SOURCE THAT IS FOR!!! YAYYYY

"Weighing the GMO Arguments: for." FAO: FAO Home. Mar. 2003. Web. 09 May 2011. <http://www.fao.org/english/newsroom/focus/2003/gmo7.htm>.

THESIS STATEMENT

Genetically modified soybeans have both good and bad effects on the food industry, the farmers that grow the soybeans, the people and animals that eat them, and even the environment.

source 5 (The Center for Food Safety)

The genetic engineering of plants and animals is looming as one of the greatest and most intractable environmental challenges of the 21st Century. Already, this novel technology has invaded our grocery stores and our kitchen pantries by fundamentally altering some of our most important staple food crops.


By being able to take the genetic material from one organism and insert it into the permanent genetic code of another, biotechnologists have engineered numerous novel creations, such as potatoes with bacteria genes, “super” pigs with human growth genes, fish with cattle growth genes, tomatoes with flounder genes, and thousands of other plants, animals and insects. At an alarming rate, these creations are now being patented and released into the environment.

Currently, up to 40 percent of U.S. corn is genetically engineered as is 80 percent of soybeans. It has been estimated that upwards of 60 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves–from soda to soup, crackers to condiments–contain genetically engineered ingredients.

A number of studies over the past decade have revealed that genetically engineered foods can pose serious risks to humans, domesticated animals, wildlife and the environment. Human health effects can include higher risks of toxicity, allergenicity, antibiotic resistance, immune-suppression and cancer. As for environmental impacts, the use of genetic engineering in agriculture will lead to uncontrolled biological pollution, threatening numerous microbial, plant and animal species with extinction, and the potential contamination of all non-genetically engineered life forms with novel and possibly hazardous genetic material.

Despite these long-term and wide-ranging risks, Congress has yet to pass a single law intended to manage them responsibly. This despite the fact that our regulatory agencies have failed to adequately address the human health or environmental impacts of genetic engineering. On the federal level, eight agencies attempt to regulate biotechnology using 12 different statutes or laws that were written long before genetically engineered food, animals and insects became a reality. The result has been a regulatory tangle, where any regulation even exists, as existing laws are grossly manipulated to manage threats they were never intended to regulate. Among many bizarre examples of these regulatory anomalies is the current attempt by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate genetically engineered fish as “new animal drugs.” Yet, at the same time, the FDA claims it has no jurisdiction over genetically engineered pet fish like the Glofish.

The haphazard and negligent agency regulation of biotechnology has been a disaster for consumers and the environment. Unsuspecting consumers by the tens of millions are being allowed to purchase and consume unlabeled genetically engineered foods, despite a finding by FDA scientists that these foods could pose serious risks. And new genetically engineered crops are being approved by federal agencies despite admissions that they will contaminate native and conventional plants and pose other significant new environmental threats. In short, there has been a complete abdication of any responsible legislative or regulatory oversight of genetically engineered foods. Clearly, now is a critical time to challenge the government’s negligence in managing the human health and environmental threats from biotechnology.

CFS seeks to halt the approval, commercialization or release of any new genetically engineered crops until they have been thoroughly tested and found safe for human health and the environment. CFS maintains that any foods that already contain genetically engineered ingredients must be clearly labeled. Additionally, CFS advocates the containment and reduction of existing genetically engineered crops.

Notes:
This source lists more of the cons of GMOs, but instead of just complaining proposes a solution!

Crops | The Center for Food Safety." The Center for Food Safety | Protecting Human Health and the Environment. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/campaign/genetically-engineered-food/crops/>.

source 4 (GMO Compass)

Over half of the world's 2007 soybean crop (58.6%) was genetically modified, a higher percentage than for any other crop. Each year, EU Member States import approximately 40 million tonnes of soy material, primarily destined for use as cattle, swine, and chicken feed. Soybeans are also used to produce many food additives. 

In 2007, 216 million tonnes of soybeans were produced worldwide. The world’s leading soybean producers are the United States (33%), Brazil (27%), Argentina (21%), and China (7%). India and Paraguay are also noteworthy soybean producers. 

Worldwide soybean production: The first genetically modified soybeans were planted in the United States in 1996. More than ten years later, GM soybeans are planted in nine countries covering more than 60 million hectares. These GM soybeans possess a gene that confers herbicide resistance. 

GM plants are widespread in the world’s leading soybean producing countries.

• The United States (85%) and Argentina (98%) produce almost exclusively GM soybeans. In these countries, GM soybeans are approved without restrictions and are treated just like conventional soybeans. Producers and government officials in the US and Argentina do not see a reason to keep GM and conventionally bred cultivars separate – whether during harvest, shipment, storage or processing. Soybean imports from these countries generally contain a high amount of GM content.
• At one time, GM soybeans were not permitted in Brazil. Nevertheless, GM seed was smuggled in from neighbouring countries and planted illegally. Now, GM soybeans are approved. In 2007, 64 per cent of the country’s soybean crop is genetically modified. Most of Brazil’s conventional soybeans are grown in the northern part of the country. European food and feed companies were able to determine that soybeans from northern Brazil contain little or no GM material.
• Large-scale, commercial plantings of genetically modified soybeans can also be found in Paraguay, Canada, Uruguay and South Africa.

Soybean imports into the EU: Each year, the EU imports approximately 40 million tonnes of raw soy products, primarily from Brazil, the United States and Argentina.

• Imported soy is predominately used to feed livestock. Without the protein offered by soy, Europe would not be able to maintain its current level of livestock productivity.
• During processing, soybeans are pressed in oil mills, and the derived oil is extracted and refined for food use.
• In addition, soybeans are used to produce numerous food ingredients and additives. Lecithin, for example, is used as an emulsifier in chocolate, ice cream, margarine, and baked goods.

 "Genetically Modified Soybean." GMO Compass. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.gmo-compass.org/eng/grocery_shopping/crops/19.genetically_modified_soybean.html>.

Notes: 
This source gives me more specific information about gmo soybeans and not so much about GMOs in general.

sources 2 and 3

SOURCE 2: SIRS RESEARCHER

Are genetically modified foods safe and nutritious?

Yes. Genetically modified foods offer the same health benefits as conventional foods.

No. The long term health effects and health risks of genetically modified foods are not yet known.

Genetically modified (GM) foods are foods derived from organisms that have been genetically engineered. In the early 1990s, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared that GM foods were not "inherently dangerous" and did not require special regulation. This paved the way for GM foods such as soybean oils and tomatoes to enter the market. However, in 2000, a type of transgenic corn-Starlink--that was not fit for human consumption mistakenly entered the food supply. It was eventually pulled from the market, but the incident led to growing concerns over the safety of GM foods. Opponents of GM foods argue the long-term health risks and health effects associated with these foods are not yet known. Proponents of GM foods contend they are just as safe as conventional foods.

ProQuest Staff. "At Issue: Genetically Modified Foods." ProQuest LLC. SIRS Researcher. Web. 03 May 2011.

Notes:

This is another site where I can get general information that is both FOR and AGAINST, which is refreshing.

SOURCE 3: CROCODYL COMPANY PROFILE (parts of)

Company Snapshot: 

Monsanto is the biggest seller of genetically modified (GM) crop seeds in the world, holding at least 70% market share for most major GE crop seeds. Since acquiring Seminis Inc. in March 2005, Monsanto has also been the largest conventional seed company in the world. Most of the GM-seeds the company sells are designed to be co-sold with RoundUp (glyphosate), the world’s biggest selling herbicide. 

GM Crops
The long term effects of Monsanto’s GM crops on the environment are as yet unknown. In areas where RoundUp Ready crops are being grown commercially, herbicide tolerance is being spread to neighbouring crops and wild plants by cross pollination. Rather than reducing the amount of chemicals used in farming RoundUp Ready crops are locking farmers into a chemical dependant farming system. Several scientific studies have suggested that the Bt technology utilised by Monsanto in their Bollgard, YieldGard and NewLeaf insect resistant crops may kill ‘non-pest’ insects such as the Monarch butterfly.


Patents
Monsanto has filed numerous patent infringement lawsuits in the U.S. and Canada against farmers who harvested crops containing Monsanto's patented genes without paying for the seed, which were often sown by winds carrying the seeds from nearby fields. One of the most significant cases was decided in Monsanto's favor against canola farmer Percy Schmeiser, by the Canadian Supreme Court (5-4 vote, May 2004).

Major brands: 

The company lists its major brands on its web site, including Asgrow (soybean seeds). Bollgard (cotton), Dekalb (corn), Deltapine (cotton), Roundup (herbicide), Seminis (vegetable and fruit seeds), Vistive (soybeans), and American Seeds Inc. (ASI)

Notes:

I didn't want to make my paper all about Monsanto, cause it's supposed to be just about GMO soybeans, but since Monsanto owns nearly all GMO soybeans, they are a significant aspect of my paper-to-be. Hopefully I avoid making it seem like I'm straying from my original subject.

"Monsanto | Crocodyl." Latest Corporate Research | Crocodyl. Web. 03 May 2011. <http://www.crocodyl.org/wiki/monsanto>.