Welcome back! Please get out your objectives #14-18 and your outline of GMO reading in textbook for TWO stamps.

Welcome back!

Please get out your objectives #14-18 and your outline of GMO reading in textbook for TWO stamps.

The way we eat has changed more in the past 50 years than in the last 10,000

The Green Revolution(s)

Green Revolution #1 (1950-1970)Increased fertilizer, fossil fuel, and water Increased yield 2-5 times WITHOUT

using more landGreen Revolution #2 (1967-now) –

introduction of genetically engineered crops

Selective Breeding/hybridization

Pollen transferred Closely related

species many generations Gradual

improvements

Flavor, shape, color, resistance to disease, resistance to frost

Glo fish

GMOs

Genetically Modified OrganismsTransgenic organisms – insertion of

particular gene into an unrelated organism to take advantage of a helpful trait

Golden rice – b-carotene added

B-carotene (Vitamin A) deficiencies = blindness and death

(still in the testing stages)

Aquabounty salmon

Gene from Chinook Pacific salmon for growth added to Atlantic salmon

Added DNA for protein which is like antifreeze to keep growth hormone working

Reaches maturity in 18 months instead of 3 yrs

Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans  resistant to herbicide

Bt corn is modified with a bacterial gene in order to secrete a poison that kills pests. That can reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

GMO Genetically Modified Organisms

Soybeans (93%) , corn (86%), alfalfa, sugar beets modified to be resistant to glyphosate

Sweet peppers, squash modified to be resistant to viruses

Cotton (93%) – pest resistance

GMO

Pros Increased yields Desired traits not limited to

related species No documented negative

effects of eating GMO foods “terminator” genes increase

profits of agribusiness Technologies are not

inherently good/bad

Cons Escaping pollen may alter wild

species Unknown future health effects New allergens could be

introduced Lack of labeling doesn’t allow for

consumer choice “terminator” genes increases

dependence of farmers on companies; ownership of technology presents legal and moral issues

Our question:

Should GMO foods be labeled?

Should GMO foods be labled?

Those in favor, including organic food companies and food activists, argue that …residents have a right to know what's in their food. 

Organic farmers, advocacy groups

Those opposed, including various food and biotechnology giants, say the law could lead to higher prices at the grocery store and frivolous lawsuits.

Monsanto, Dupont Pioneer, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg

GMO video clip

In your team:

Determine your key talking points – what arguments will win the judges in your favor?

Use your internet access to find articles with data to support your main talking points.

Each person: Bring in copy of an article supporting your position with your data highlighted for easy use.

Prepare defensive arguments against what you expect the other team to present.

Our question:

Should GMO foods be labeled?

Where do we draw the line?