Cotton - Genetically Modified Seeds
Although there were serious concerns with the introduction of genetically modified foods, it is not so well appreciated that the clothes we wear are made of cotton imported from genetically modified (GM) seeds. In fact, a significant amount of seeds cultivated are from this source. There are two main reasons why GM crops are grown, they are tolerant to herbicides and resistant to insects.
Weed control is supposedly easier because the plants are able to tolerate non-selective chemicals which kill all other natural vegetation. Unfortunately, this has led to a decline of economic plants such as insects that feed on them are also killed. The plants are resistant to insect pests, as they have introduced bacteria into the plant through genetic modification which kills insects that feed on them. It was predicted that G.M. Cotton crops would require less herbicides but this does not appear to happen. It was suggested that the impact on the environment require further studies. In fact, there are concerns about long-term pest resistance and the commercial monopoly by a few agri-business giants over GM seeds.
Decisions on growing GM cotton are at a high level of government officials representatives of agri-business agencies and experts "And few are concerned about the farmer's opinions. Transfer of genes to related wild species seems inevitable. Increases in the use of G.M. Cotton is a threat for organic cotton producers as the basic standards for organic agriculture prohibits the use of genetically modified varieties. It was noted by PANUK that there is a growing call for organic cotton, and supplies are now below the requirement. There are two reasons why this is the case-
organic cotton global production is still a small part of the industry, which means that it is unable to sudden fluctuations in demand.
Cotton farmers must go through a 3 years before the changeover they are able to be recognized organic.
Cotton growing highlights the unequal trade relations, which have been set up, where farmers in the EU and U.S. subsidies are paid to them a prize, the two-three times higher than the world market. As a result of North American and European cotton breeders produce that is sold on the world to a loss bringing the prices for everyone.
There are dominant forces in GM technology; seeds are patented, so that the farmers are required to agree not to save seeds and for the payment of royalties. Specific herbicides are associated with the guarantee of continued revenue seeds. Huge sums were spent by the biotech companies in research and they want to see an early return on their investment. Data, which is released by the company itself and was adopted by the authorities.
G.M. Technology is now forced to countries as quickly as possible even if local farmers are in opposition. Given the concerns expressed about the speed with which GM crops are adopted, I would suggest that more unbiased testing needs to be done before we forge with before something could change our environment irrevocably. It is surely far more feasible at this time to raise money in the organic crops, which are what the public appear to want.
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