GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, have been a major issue since scientists began experimenting with the genetic altering of the DNA, RNA and proteins in plants. Genetically modified since the early 1990s, soya beans are a leading worldwide human and animal food, "bio tech food" crop. According to Russian biologist, Alexey Surov, "We have no right to use GMOs until we understand the possible adverse effects, not only to ourselves, but to future generations as well."
Reasoning
Essentially falling under the auspices of plant breeding and crop improvement, genetically modifying plants is currently, has been, and will continue to be controversial, particularly in animal and food crops. The bottom-line reason behind genetic alteration is to "improve" crop yield. This means making these soya plants drought resistant, disease resistant, pest resistant and herbicide resistant in order to reap the largest return on investment.
Process of Genetic Modification
Historically, farmers relied on self and cross-pollination, or simply allowing a random meeting of existing genes to create offspring. Soy is a self-pollinating plant. Genetic engineering requires human intervention to transfer genes, not only from two similar plants, but also from dissimilar plants and organisms. This genetic manipulation can involve taking a soy plant and genetically transferring a totally unrelated organism, such as bacteria, into its genetic makeup.
Example
For centuries, farmers have dealt with problematic weeds, how to kill them, and how to stop them from drawing on nutrients that vitally needed by food crops. By genetically modifying soy plants to resist certain herbicides, GMO soy crops can be planted and sprayed with selective herbicides that will kill the weeds but not the plants. According to the GMO Compass, these herbicides do not harm the soya plants; however, the effect on the human digestive system from both the genetically altered soya plant, and the herbicides, are never mentioned.
Clearly Controversial
According to Monsanto, the world's leading seed producer, there is no need for, or value in, testing the safety of GM foods in humans. Because genetically modified foods are very controversial, the leading makers of soy protein mix clearly state on product packages, that they use NON-GMO soy protein. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, in 1997, approximately 8 percent of all soybean crops in the United States were genetically modified. As of 2010, this figure rose to 93 percent.
References
- Soya, Information about Soy and Soya Products: GMO Soy
- GMO Compass: Soya Beans
- Monsanto: U.S. Soybean Facts
- Monsanto: Food Safety
- The Huffington Post: Genetically Modified Soy Linked to Sterility, Infant Mortality in Hamsters
- Bloomsberg Businessweek: Monsanto 7-State Probe Threatens Profit from 93 percent Soybean Share
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