Transgene from GM Corn Found in Soil-Dwelling Animals

Dear Jan,

You definitely have good intentions with everything you post but often the topics have to do with the lack of research surrounding GMOs. I'm sure I have not looked into the topic as much as you have, but I did have to come up with a short outline for my Forests for the Future class about why a 1 billion dollar donation should not go into intensifying research of genetically modified organisms. I argued the threat to biodiversity, excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers, expense, the stigma of "playing god"

I could not however find any reasons why we should not intensify research about effects on human health. I've followed your postings for a couple months now and I'm sure you would be down for spending the donation on researching effects of gmos on humans. I also think we need to look into it more.

However I do think that the "lack of research" argument is Shoddy. If there are no negative health effects there could be some serious benefits if we could minimize environmental impact. If there are negative health effects then I would hope production would stop.
"Whether the presence of transgenes in the soil food web presents a risk for soil animals is not known."

If there is no risk I personally would not mind any transgenes in my gut... because it would not matter. Until there is any proof of negative health impacts, I cannot fully develop a stance. Maybe pushing completely against GMOs isn't as important as demanding more research so we can understand what we are talking about.

-Rad

(here's my outline, I should of asked your for a little bit of help ;)

IV. The donation should not be spent on improving our understanding and use of genetically modified organisms in forestry for the following reasons;
A. Genetically Modified Organisms pose a serious threat to biodiversity.
1. If the native strains of GMO crops go extinct, the genetic diversity needed to adapt to changing environments will be diminished.
2. Wild plants provide natural reservoirs for the traits needed to maintain the vitality of modern crops and are located primarily in the developing world, where regulation will likely not be as intense.
B. Vast repetitive monocultures results in depletion of organic matter including beneficial bacteria, fungi and nutrients.
1. Lack of nutrients results in overuse of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers which in turn leads to greenhouse gas emissions and contaminated waterways.
2. Genetic pesticides in the plants, such as Bt, along with the extensive use of pesticides usually accompanying large populations of identical plants could do some serious damage.
a) As pesticides and herbicides are rarely highly specific, countless beneficial organisms on the plant, in the soil and in groundwater can be killed.
C. The technology is expensive.
1. Small farmers who cannot afford this expense may be put out of business by larger farmers who can.
2. The biotech companies that engage in genetic modification of crops are profit driven, and they have little concern for the inherent risks.
D. Genetics is a highly controversial topic.
1. There is a lot of ethical debate on the subject.
2. Many people are switching to organic, sustainable food, people don’t want artificial.
3. A lot of cultures do not accept the idea
a) People in developing countries do not want food donations of genetically engineered crops
4. A substantial part of the population believes genetics is “playing God.”