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Genetic modification is a process that alters the genetic makeup of organisms such as plants, bacteria and animals; a process that holds great possibilities and benefits for the world’s ever growing population. Scientists around the world are trying to locate various genes that when combined with other organisms may help with insect resistance in crops. Scientists are also working on finding genes to combine with other organisms to add nutrients to various foods. The topic of genetically modified foods is definitely a hot topic in the United States. One of the biggest topics in European politics is the issue of genetically modified foods and crops (Cooper par.1). In Australia, despite constant public ambivalence towards the technology, authorities have approved genetically modified food and crops (Salleh par. 7). China is also on board with genetically modified food and crops, making it a leader in the maufacturing of what is commonly known as “golden rice”. In 2006, over 10.3 million farmers around the world planted over 252 million arces of genetically modified crops in over 22 countries. One source states that, “In 2006, countries that grew 97% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (53%), Argentina (17%), Brazil (11%), Canada (6%), India (4%), China (3%), Paraguay (2%) and South Africa (1%) (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par.6).” Most of the crops that were planted in 2006 were alfalfa, corn, cotton, canola, and soybeans; all insect and herbicide resistant. Sweet potato crops resistant to killer viruses have been field-tested, as well as a diversity of plants that can withstand severe weather. It is expected that growth in the field of genetic modification will stabilize in the more industrialized nations and increase more in the developing nations (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par.6). With the growth of the process of genetic modification in food and crops, many benefits will be available all throughout our global population: crops, animals, environment and society will all see them. Through genetic modicication our global crops will have new growing techniques, making it possible to grow food resistant to pests, disease, and toxic herdicides. The maturation time for crops will be reduced. The yields for crops will be increased due to the fact that the crops will be able to withstand severe weather conditions such as droughts and floods. Another example of a higher crop yield is in regards to nut and fruit trees, they yield years earlier due to genetic modification (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par. 5). Most importantly, the nutritional value of the crops are greatly increased. For example, the “golden rice” that China is producing can produce up to 35 micrograms of vitamin A per gram (Potrykus par.4). This “golden rice” has the scientific name, Bacillus Thuringiensis; a rice that will be commercialized as a main food source for China in the near future (Cao, He and Xu par.1). Genetic modification will also produce many benefits to animals globally. Because of genetic modification technology, animals will have improved health. For example, cows will be resistant to what is scientifically known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par. 5). Genetically modified animals will be able to produce higher quality and quantities of milk, eggs, and meat. Another fact is that genetically modified animals, such as fish, will mature quicker (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par.5). Our global environment benefits enormously because of genetic modification of plants, animals, and bacteria. Thanks to genetic modification, “healthy” bioinsecticides and bioherbicides are now available. Farmers are able to use these “healthy” bioinsecticides and bioherbicides in place of the more toxic and hazardous alternatives. Genetic modification assists in soil, energy, and water conservation. Another environmental benefit is that genetic modification of certain bacteria aides in a better, more natural waste management (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par.10). The most important benefit of genetically modified crops and food is in regards to our global society as a whole. Transgenic products will soon help scientists create vaccines that fight against infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B; this is currently being done through genetically modifying bananas (U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs par.5). The most important way genetic modification benefits our society is in regards to how it helps feed our growing global population. There are food security issues in every nation all over the world; issues that genetic modification can help solve. The “golden rice” that was developed in the year 2000 has greatly reduced vitamin A deficiency-related diseases, diseases that are a leading contributor to hundreds of thousands of deaths among children living in developing countries. In various remote, developing countries “golden rice” is a major contributor towards a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source. One of the leading causes of mortality worldwide is dietary micronutrient defiency,such as a lack of zinc, iron, iodine, and vitamin A (Golden Rice Humanitarian Board par.5). One source states, “These deficiencies affect particularly children, imparing their immune system and normal development, causing disease and ultimately death (Golden Rice Humanitarian Board par. 5).” Genetically modified crops and food such as “golden rice” and sweet potatoes are helping avoid these micronutrient deficiencies thus lowering mortality rates worldwide. It is apparent that genetic modification holds great possibilities and benefits for the world’s ever growing population. Works Cited Cao, Sishuo, et al. "Safety Assessment of Transgenic Bacillus Thuringiensis Rice T1C-19 in Sprague-Dawley Rats from Metabonomics and Bacterial Profile Perspectives." IUBMB Life (2012): 242-250. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 July 2013. Cooper, Alice. "Political Indigestion: Germany Confronts Genetically Modified Foods." German Politics (2009): 536-558. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 July 2013. Golden Rice Humanitarian Board. Golden Rice Project. 17 May 2012. Article. Web. 17 July 2013. Potrykus, Ingo. "Regulation Must Be Revolutionized." Nature (2010): 561. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 July 2013. Qiu, Jane. "Is China Ready for GM Rice?" Nature (2008): 850-852. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 July 2013. Salleh, Anna. "The Fourth Estate and the Fifth Branch:The News Media, GM Risks, and Democracy in Australia." New Genetics and Society (2008): 233-250. Academic Search Premier. Web. 8 July 2013. U.S. Department of Energy Genome Programs. Genomics.Energy.Gov. 2012. Article. Web. 17 July 2013. Feedpeople (talk) 21:56, 22 July 2013 (UTC)