Viewpoint Synthesis Final Draft

Jordan Newbould
Nkenna
ENGL-1010
5/1/17
Proposed Research Questions: How are genetically modified foods produced in Utah? What are its
regulations in the United States (specifically Utah) and other countries? How do genetically modified
foods impact our bodies and should we label GMOs?

From conducting my research Ive concluded there are three different stakeholders in this argument these
stakeholders are; the large manufacturers and distributors of genetically modified foods, the farmers, and
the consumers. Each of my sources expanded on these stakeholders and their different perspectives on
GMOs. I wanted to dig deeper in my research to discover how genetically modified food are produced,
whether we should label and regulate GMOs, and the impact they have on our bodies. Hakim an
investigator reporter for the New York Times believes that through extensive examination of genetic
modification has not led to an increase in crop yield or an overall reduction in the use of chemical
pesticides. (Hakim) While, the United States and Canada are both embracing genetically modified
crops, Europe is largely rejecting it. The large food industries are winning on both sides because the same
companies make and sell both the genetically engineered products and pesticides. Hakim states that
Monsanto has cherry-picked its data to have a positive reflection on the industry. (Hakim)
However, my 2nd source I researched was in reply to Doubts about a promised bounty from Monsanto, a
large manufacture and distributor of genetically modified foods. Fraley makes opposing arguments from
Monsantos side of the argument. Fraley made claims that Farmers are smart business people who dont
waste time or money on tools that dont deliver results (Fraley) He said farmers choose GMOs seeds
because they want to see better harvests. Fraley made claims that the benefits farmers see from G.M
crops include: efficient weed and insect control, reduction in insecticides, reduced erosion and improved
soil (Fraley) Lastly, Fraley claims GMOs are essential for modern and sustainable agriculture saying
the voice of a farmer should be represented. (Fraley)
I believe that both of these articles presented separate viewpoints and claims to the possible risks and
benefits of genetically engineered foods. I think that Hakim argues that genetically modified crops are not
leading to a reduction in insecticides, and an increase in crop yield. Fraley responds to this making
opposing claims that GM crops have an increased yield, improved soil, weed control, and reductions in
insecticides. Fraley claimed The real story is how farmers are meeting global demands. (Fraley)
However, Hakim stated Monsanto will only go where the market and industry demand their products.
(Hakim) I believe that Hakim does not think GMOs will be the answer for a sustainable and promised
bounty for modern agriculture. I think this source helped me to reflect on our 3 different stakeholders in
this argument, the large manufactures, the consumers, and the farmers as well as what role each of them
have in the GMO process. Though genetic engineering can offer a chance at a sustainable society we need
to consider its effects. It could result in cross-breeding with wild populations and cause allergic reactions
in various food items. I believe as the consumers its our responsibility to acquire knowledge about these
processed GMO foods and avoid any foods that would be detrimental to our health or be harmful for our
bodies.
I watched Food Inc. by Robert Kenner, this helped me to gain further insight from the viewpoints of the
farmers and the consumers. Some highlights from this film include The food industry doesnt want to
know the truths about what you are eating because if you did you might not choose to eat it, its a world
deliberately hidden from us (Kenner) While the average grocery stores contains 47,000 different
products making it look like theres a variety of choice, really only a few major companies and few major
 Viewpoint Synthesis Final Draft

crops are involved. While chips, soda, and candy are all cheaper than produce at grocery stores. This
makes the biggest predictor of obesity income level, this has led to a system that produces things faster,
bigger and cheaper (Kenner) In the 1970s the top 5 beef packers controlled 25% of the market, now the
top 4 beef packers control 80% of the industry. Chickens are raised in half the time they were in the 1950s
but in half the time they end up twice the size due to antibiotics. The government is dominated by
industries it is supposed to be regulating (Kenner)
I believe the average consumer feels powerless because they have to choose between cheaper alternatives
or non-organic foods. I think the food industry will only deliver to the marketplace what is needed in the
marketplace. I believe this starts with the consumers, choosing foods that are local, seasonable, and
organic, reading labels when you go to the grocery store and being cautious with what you put in your
grocery cart. We as the consumers have the choice to change our bodies with every bite of food we eat.
Dangers of GMO Foods Susan Brassard helped me to elaborate on the potential risks to human health
and the environment as a consequences of genetically engineered products. Brassard shares both the risk
and benefits of GM foods. Brassard explained The proponents of GM foods say that higher yields and
lower production, along with improved nutritional content are needs to ensure a sustainable food supply
for the worlds vastly growing population. (Brassard) Though Opponents of GM food claim These
benefits are not adequately proved and the real danger is to human health and our environment for reasons
to ban GMOs. (Brassard) She states The rise in autoimmune diseases, infertility, gastrointestinal
problems and chronic diseases may be associated with the introduction of GM products. (Brassard)
Concerns about our food supply and its safety continue to escalate as GM seeds become more renowned.
Brassard goes on to say GMO seeds are genetically engineered to be herbicide tolerate and resistant to
insect infestation and disease. (Brassard) Lastly, these crops may encourage farmers to increase their use
of herbicides and pesticides, which will raise the rate of human consumption of potential dangerous
toxins.

After reading this article, I believe that farmers should conduct independent safety testing and labeling of
all food items containing genetically modified organisms is necessary. Despite the US not requiring large
food manufactures to identify and label foods produced with GMOs. Genetically engineered seeds are
identical in shape and structure compared to their organic counterpart, these seeds are made to be resistant
to insects, disease and other infestation. However, large GM industries manufacture their own pesticides
as well, which further puts toxins in our body systems and the soil, which Brassard explains can cause
unforeseen changes to our environment and bodies. Lastly, another concern is cross-contamination of
GMO plants with organic plants that may harm organisms such as caterpillars, bees, and birds, which are
vital for our ecosystem to thrive.

In conclusion each of these sources were credible and shared different viewpoints on the perspectives of
GMOs. From all the research Ive conducted I want to conclude in saying that genetically modified foods
have many benefits and risks for our society. GMOs will provide a substantial amount of sustainable food
products for our society and many other societies around the world. The farmers have the option to
choose to grow either organic or GM crops. The farmers use GMOs because they see higher production in
yield, better soil quality, and larger more nutritional crops faster. Though others fear the health risk
associated with GM food and the possible impacts it may have on our bodies and the environment. When
it comes down the bottom-line I believe its the consumers choice to choose what they wish to purchase
at the grocery store, and the type of food they want to put in their bodies. My viewpoint on this issue has
changed in many ways, and I personally feel that all genetically engineered products should have
mandatory labeling and regulations. Because above all the people have a right to know what food
 Viewpoint Synthesis Final Draft

ingredients theyre putting into their bodies.

Overall Word Count: 1455

Sources Cited
1. Bassard, Susan. "Dangers of GMO Foods." LIVESTRONG.COM. Leaf Group, 31 May
2015. Web. 08 Apr. 2017. http://www.livestrong.com/article/216714-dangers-of-gmo-foods/
(Brassard)

2 Doubts about the Promised Bounty of Genetically Modified Crops Danny Hakim, Oct.
29th, 2016 https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/business/gmo-promise-falls-short.html?
_r=0 (Hakim)
3. Monsanto, on Genetically Modified Crops, Robert T Fraley, Executive Vice President
and Chief Technology Officer, Monsanto Company, Nov, 11th, 2016
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/12/opinion/monsanto-on-genetically-modified-
crops.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FGenetically%20Modified
%20Food&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_
unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection (Fraley)

4. Food, Inc. By Robert Kenner, Robert Kenner, Robert Kenner, Richard Pearce, Eric
Schlosser, Eric Schlosser, Melissa Robledo, William Pohlad, Jeff Skoll, Robin Schorr, Diane
Weyermann, Elise Pearlstein, Elise Pearlstein, Kim Roberts, Kim Roberts, Michael Pollan,
Michael Pollan, Gary Hirshberg, Joel Salatin, and Mark Adler. Dir. Richard Pearce. N.p.,
n.d. Web. (Kenner)