Gigi+F+-+NHD+MEMO

Home

STUDENT NHD MEMOS

Essential Question: REVOLUTION, REACTION, REFORM-- HOW DOES REVOLUTION CHANGE SOCIETY?

Memo 1 - Topic Proposal

**Part 1. Identify and explain the problem** The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology occurring between the 1940’s and the late 1970’s, which increased agriculture production around the world, helping the global issue of world hunger. Leading this innovation was Norman E. Borlaug, credited with saving over a billion people from starvation. Norman Borlaug was involved in the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion or irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques, distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers. We are pushing the limits of what the Green Revolution’s science has granted us as far as a sustainable global population. To continue the Green Revolution, the best direction we need to take is the revolution involving Genetically Modified Foods. Genetically Modified Foods (GMF’s), are foods where the DNA of the organism is spliced and swapped out for “better genes”. This is designed to create stronger, more resistant, and more productive plants. The benefits of these GMF’s will feed the world’s growing population and help diminish world hunger.

**Part 2. Develop a research question** How do we meet the global demand for food?

**Part 3. Develop a thesis statement** Genetically Modified Foods are the new "Green Revolution" that will help diminish the issue of world hunger and provide better quality, more nutritious foods.

Memo 2 - Revolution and Controversy **A.** Date: April 23, 2012 To: Mrs. Sidor From: Gabrielle Furlong Subject: MEMO 2: GMO's remain highly controversial because of long-term effects on human health and the environment. **B.** The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology occurring between the 1940’s and the late 1970’s, which increased agriculture production around the world, helping the global issue of world hunger. Currently, the world is known to increase its population to more than 8 billion by the year 2030. To ensure an adequate food supply, scientists have been researching new technology to fulfill the world's demand for food. Researches discovered a new type of genetic engineering to produce new forms of crops called genetically modified organisms. "Genetically modified foods undergo the process of targeted genes from one or more species of living things that were spliced into the DNA of a plant or animal in order to make it a more profitable commodity" (Changes and the Future). Some argue against this because they fear the long-term effects to human health and the environment. "It is simply not yet proven that GM foods are broadly hazardous to human health" (Simpkins 2). Other issues many are concerned with regarding GMO's include safety, potential benefits and risks, and disputes between the US and the European Union. No studies have indicated that GM foods are less safe than traditional counterparts. "The World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nation (FAO) have concluded that there is no scientific evidence that the application of GM technology has resulted in substantial human health effects or environmental problems" (Adenle 2). Given these conclusions, genetically modified foods remain a great controversy in the world of science and agriculture and are beginning to be a topic of discussion that can eliminate some of the world's global issues.

Many impoverished countries who are suffering from malnutrition and hunger are being impacted by this revolution. For example, Africa has been undergoing a debate on this topic and whether or not genetically modified foods should be adapted into their agriculture. Few countries are taking advantage of this new revolution in Africa and pushing other countries to take advantage of this new so called "green revolution". In the past, Africa has suffered from world hunger and have been unable to provide their country with enough food to meet the satisfactory demands of their people. Technologies for genetically modifying foods offer dramatic promise for meeting some of the 21st CEntury's greatest challenges. Controversies surrounding GM foods and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety, labeling, and consumer choice, property rights, ethics, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental conservation. "African organizations such as the African Agricultural Technology Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya, are working to enable African countires to take advantage of existing technology, especially biotechnology, to advance the green revolution" (Simpkins 2). "Of 5.4 million farmers that planted GM crops in 2010, over 90% are resource-poor farmers in developing countries, including three African countries (South Africa, Egypt, and Burkina Faso), that benefitted from the adoption of GM crops" (Adenle 1). South Africa, the first and biggest producer of GM crops in Africa, has benefitted from growing GM crops over the past decade. The economy of South Africa has benefited a great deal from the adoption of GM technology and it has been reported to have enhanced farm income from GM maize. The US and EU have different opinions on genetically modified foods and the European Union plays an important role over adoption of GM technology in developing countries. "The US can allow commercial release of GMO products based upon standard tests such as, digestivity,and toxicity without any regulatory barrier, whereas in the EU, GMO products can be stopped based upon scientific uncertainty alone without any associated evidence of risks and sufficient testing according to the so called "precautionary principle" (Adenle 2). Africa considers their trade relationship with the EU before adopting GM crops due to the fear of loosing this market. Africa's relationship with the European Union is a contributor to the controversy of adopting genetically modified foods into the African agricultural system. In the end, Africa's reaction to this revolution could heavily influence the issue of world hunger.  Memo 3 - Historical Background

The Green Revolution occurred during the mid-20th century and was mostly a time of great increase in production of food grains (especially wheat and rice) in which resulted in a large part from the introduction varieties (green revolution, Britannica). Many poor farmers benefited from the revolution due to higher crop yields, they were able to earn more money. Crops were growing faster because of a new breeding trait called dwarfism. "Dwarfs that are well fertilized and irrigated focus their energy on the health of their seeds and produce strong stems to support the additional grain" (Green Revolution, Gale). This new plant breed was developed by Doctor Norman Borlaug. His goal was to genetically mutate wheat to a form that could be grown in poor countries, and still provide an abundance of food. "The increased yields resulting from Borlaug's new strains enabled many developing countries to become agriculturally self-sufficient" (Norman Ernest Borlaug, Britannica). South and Southeast Asia experienced a significant impact in their agricultural significant impact in their agricultural cultivations, whereas small parts of Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa took longer to adopt this new development (Green Revolution, Gale). Being able to genetically modify organisms was an introduction to the world to help end world hunger but has caused many controversies and issues world-wide. There are many circumstances that have produced the controversy of genetically modified foods. For example, many take note to the few precautions that are included in the use of genetically modified organisms. Such issues such as long term health effects, allergenic concerns, cross pollination, and risks associated with such products.

"The Green Revolution was started as an answer to the developing world's accelerating population growth and mounting hunger problem" (Green Revolution, Gale). Many theories have been floating around as to why we have this problem in our new age of technology and science. In an ideal world, every person would have physical and economic access at all times to healthy and nutritious food in significant quantity to cover the needs of their daily ration and food preferences. Earlier generations such as the generation with Norman E. Borlaug, addressed this issue once before through the green revolution. This system of addressing world hunger was not as beneficial as we would like because in both Mexico and India studies revealed that the Green Revolution’s expensive seed, fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation “packages” favored a minority of economically privileged farmers. On the environmental side, the costs polluted rivers, streams and water tables, widespread soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, occupational pesticide poisoning and global warming. In India, Green Revolution packages required heavy irrigation. The Indian government subsidized the digging of tens of thousands of tube wells to pump irrigation water to the surface. Over the last decades, tube wells have pumped many water tables dry, forcing vast areas to return to traditional, dry land farming or give up farming altogether. According to India’s hydrologists, nearly a fifth of the sub-continent is withdrawing more water than is being replaced by rain. Soils in the tropics quickly lose their organic matter under Green Revolution fertilization regimes. Yields drop precipitously, requiring higher and higher chemical applications until fertilization costs outweigh yield benefits. By then the soil is biologically dead and must be painstakingly reclaimed by adding large amounts of organic matter in order to be productive

"Hunger is a product of poverty and underdevelopment, and undernourishment not absence of food but to lack of access to it" (Hunger, GREENR). According to the FAO Organization, over 925 million people on earth are considered undernourished. Nearly all of them are reported to be in developing countries. When narrowing it down to children, almost 5 million are reported to die every year from starvation. We can address this issue with the great invention of genetically modified organisms. With that said it is believed that our generation is multiplying by the numbers everyday and eventually there will not be enough food left. In order to fight this we need to adopt the usage of genetically modified organisms into our food system because not only will it help speed the process of producing more food, but it will inject vitamins and necessary nutrients many cannot receive in impoverished countries.

Memo 4 - State Your Position In order to fight the issue of world hunger, it is adequate that we adopt the usage of genetically modified organisms in our everyday farming. Genetically modified organisms have many potential benefits many are unaware of. Genetic engineering can also be used to increase the amount of particular nutrients (like vitamins) in food crops. Research into this technique, sometimes called ‘nutritional enhancement’, is now at an advanced stage. For example, GM golden rice is an example of a white rice crop that has had the vitamin A gene from a daffodil plant inserted. This changes the color and the vitamin level for countries where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent. Researchers are especially looking at major health problems like iron deficiency. The removal of the proteins that cause allergies from nuts (such as peanuts and Brazil nuts) is also being researched. There is a need to produce inexpensive, safe and nutritious foods to help feed the world’s growing population. “Genetic modification may provide, sturdy plants able to withstand weather extremes, better quality food crops, higher nutritional yields in crops, inexpensive and nutritious food, like carrots with more antioxidants, foods with a greater shelf life, like tomatoes that taste better and last longer, food with medicinal benefits, such as edible vaccines or example, bananas with bacterial or rotavirus antigens, and crops resistant to disease and insects and produce that requires less chemical application, such as pesticide and herbicide resistant plants: for example, GM canola (Better Health Channel).” The consumption of genetically modified organisms ca help our environment as well, unlike previous methods to fight world hunger. GM advocates argue that genetically modified foods are potentially better for the environment. By using genetically engineered crops that are resistant to attack by pests or disease (insect resistant or IR), farmers and primary producers do not have to apply large amounts of pesticides and chemicals to the surrounding environment. Developing crops that are tolerant to particular herbicides (herbicide tolerant or HT) and pesticides may reduce the amount of pesticides used in food production and the residual pesticide levels in the environment.

Memo 5 - Opponent's Viewpoint Date: April 10, 2012 To: Mrs. Sidor From: Gabrielle Furlong Subject: MEMO 5: Develop the argument to your position **B.** Genetically modified foods are becoming a major controversy among the lives of farmers, primarily organic farmers. Genetically modified foods are being cross-pollinated with organic crops, not ensuring farmers that all organic foods are truly organic. Organic foods are popular with consumers who prefer natural ingredients and worry about the health hazards of pesticides, synthetic hormones, and other aspects of industrial agriculture. “ But if consumers cannot be assured that they are getting organic products free of genetically modified ingredients, the market may diminish” (Lillston 2). Jim, Riddle, Secretary of the national Organic Standards Board, encourages farmers to test all organic seeds to ensure they are free of genetically modified ingredients before planting. “Thus far, most organic seeds have not tested positive for this type of contamination” (Lilliston 2). Organic farmers are having an increasingly difficult time preventing genetically modified organisms from migrating into their fields. Genetic contamination can come through the sharing of equipment like combines, elevators, or trucks. This leads to another major concern of the potential loss of certification that allows farmers to sell their products as “organic”. Organic food grown in the United States is becoming a major export. “United States exports more than $40 million in organic goods to the United Kingdom and an estimated $40 to $ 60 million to Japan each year. The association estimates that the U.S. organic exports to Europe are growing by 15 percent per year, and by 30 to 50 percent per year to Japan”(Lilliston 2). Organic is the fastest expanding sector of the domestic food business growing by 20 percent every year since 1990. Many are concerned that the organic market will reach a downfall and potentially diminish if we don’t keep GM’s contained. Organic farmers are concerned that genetically modified organisms are contaminating the organic crops they have originally planted. They assume that genes are being spread through machinery and are being carried through the atmosphere. Farmers also fear that since all organic food is not fully organic because of the spread of GM's, that their market will reach a downfall and potentially diminish. Jim, Riddle, Secretary of the national Organic Standards Board, encourages farmers to test all organic seeds to ensure they are free of genetically modified ingredients before planting. “Thus far, most organic seeds have not tested positive for this type of contamination” (Lilliston 2). This proves that not all organic material has been contaminated by GM's and that the organic industry will not be greatly affected. Thus meaning that genetically modified organisms do not cause a harmful effect on organic crops and farmers should not fear cross contamination. Memo 6 - Opponent's Viewpoint Date: April 10, 2012 To: Mrs. Sidor From: Gabrielle Furlong Subject: MEMO 6: Develop the argument to your position
 * A.**
 * A.**

**B.** Many organic consumers are also against the concept of genetically modified foods. They fear that they could cause harmful effects on humans. There is a possibility that introducing a gene into a plant may create a new allergen or cause an allergenic reaction susceptible. They believe known allergens could be transferred from traditional foods into GM foods. For instance, during laboratory testing, a gene from the Brazil nut was introduced into soybeans. It was found that people with allergies to Brazil nuts could also be allergic to soybeans that had been genetically modified in this way and so the project was ceased. No allergic effects have been found with currently approved GM foods. Minimal research has been conducted into the potential acute or chronic health risks of using GM foods and of their performance in relation to a range of health effects. "On the whole, with the exception of possible allergenicity, scientists believe that GM foods do not present a risk to human health" (Whitman 4). As many fear that genetically modified foods cause harmful effects on humans, it is not all true. Genetically modified organisms are injected with ingredients that are beneficial to humans. Genetic engineering can also be used to increase the amount of particular nutrients like vitamins in food crops. "For example, GM golden rice is an example of a white rice crop that has had the vitamin A gene from a daffodil plant inserted. This changes the color and the vitamin level for countries where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent. Researchers are especially looking at major health problems like iron deficiency. The removal of the proteins that cause allergies from nuts, such as peanuts and Brazil nuts is also being researched" (Genetically Modified Foods). Memo 7 - Opponent's Viewpoint Date: April 10, 2012 To: Mrs. Sidor From: Gabrielle Furlong Subject: MEMO 7: Develop the argument to your position **B.** Medical scientists are fearing that genetically modified organisms could cause antibiotic resistance. Bioengineers sometimes insert a selectable ‘marker’ gene to help them identify whether a new gene has been successfully introduced to the DNA. One such marker gene is for resistance to particular antibiotics. If genes coded for such resistance enter the food chain and are taken in by humans, the effectiveness of antibiotics could be reduced and human infectious disease risk increased. "Concerns have been expressed about the possibility that these "marker genes" could confer resistance to antibiotics. This approach is now being replaced with the use of marker genes that avoid medical or environmental hazards" (Weighing the GMO Arguments: Against). Research has shown that the risk is very low; however, there is general agreement that use of these markers should be phased out. Antibiotic resistance among disease-causing bacteria is already a major threat to public health; due to the excessive use of antibiotics in medical treatment and in agriculture. Many are concerned that GM's contain bacteria that causes humans to become resistant to several antibiotics. Some of the "marker genes" that are used to help identify whether a new gene has successfully been introduced to the DNA is the reason people fear that genetically modified organisms are harmful. "Until now, however, there is no real proof that the antibiotic resistance genes in GM plants pose a threat" (GMO Compass). Researches suggest that the "marker genes" should be diminished from GMO testing but there has never been a legitimate concern or case of a human becoming resistant to antibiotics because of a genetically modified organism. "In the last 15 years there have been numerous scientific studies on this subject. So far nothing threatening has been found" (GMO Compass).
 * A.**

Memo 8 - Call to Action

Although there are many concerned with the potential risks and benefits associated with genetically modified foods, this method of farming and producing food is the greatest invention to help us achieve the goal of ending world hunger. As some take into mind the concerns of antibiotic resistance, long term health effects, and cross pollination, all have been proven not a potential risk. For example, evidence that proves that antibiotic resistance is not a threat include a line from GMO Compass, "Until now, however, there is no real proof that the antibiotic resistance genes in GM plants pose a threat" (GMO Compass). Also, to counteract the concern of long term health effects, a primary source has clearly stated, "On the whole, with the exception of possible allergenicity, scientists believe that GM foods do not present a risk to human health" (Whitman 4). With many upset about cross pollination and the status of the organic market, the organic companies will not be affected by genetically modified organisms and the threat of ruining organic crops. The organic market will continue to survive with the competition of genetically modified foods. World hunger is a global issue that needs to be treated before the world’s population increases dramatically throughout the years to come and the fear of not being able to provide food for the ones who are in desperate need of it. With this system of genetically modified foods and organisms, we can count on “Genetic modification may provide, sturdy plants able to withstand weather extremes, better quality food crops, higher nutritional yields in crops, inexpensive and nutritious food, like carrots with more antioxidants, foods with a greater shelf life, like tomatoes that taste better and last longer, food with medicinal benefits, such as edible vaccines or example, bananas with bacterial or rotavirus antigens, and crops resistant to disease and insects and produce that requires less chemical application, such as pesticide and herbicide resistant plants: for example, GM canola (Better Health Channel).” With that said, the fight to end world hunger and the ability to provide nutritious food to impoverished countries, all starts with the adoption of genetically modified foods.

//“Almost certainly, however, the first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind //. <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">” – Norman E. Borlaug

**//Annotated Bibliography//** Adenle, Ademola A. "Response to issues on GM agriculture in Africa: Are transgenic crops safe?" //BMC Research Notes//. Bio Medical Central, 2011. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. <http://www.biomedicalcentral.com>. **This article is a primary source written by Ademola Adenle who currently holds a PhD in Genetics and Molecular Toxicology from the University of Nottingham, UK. In this article, Adenle discusses with the reader the controversy of genetically modified foods and the risks and benefits associated if Africa were to adopt this revolution into their agricultural system. This source is being used because it details information on Africa's reason for currently not withholding genetically modified foods in all of their countries, a reasonable article for my topic.** Simpkins, Gregory. "Behind-the-scenes- Debate on GM Foods." //Africa Rising 2010//. Africa Rising 21st Century, 2 Nov. 2009. Web. 25 Apr. 2012. <http://africarising2010.blogspot.com>. **This post is a primary source written by Gregory Simpkins, a man who has worked on Africa issues for more than 30 years starting as a journalist who covered Africa issues at the White House, the U.S. Department of State and Congress as well as being involved in the** **establishment of organizations such as the African Demoracy Network, the African Growth and Opportunity Act Civil Society Network and the Western Hemisphere African Diaspora Network. This source is being used because it gives readers a credible opinion on the debate of GM foods in Africa.** Whitman, Deborah B. "Genetically Modified Foods: Harmful or Helpful?" ProQuest. ProQuest, Apr. 2000. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.csa.com>.


 * This article is a primary source written by Deborah B. Whitman, a CSA Senior Life Science Editor in the categories of Biotechnology, Immunology, Oncogenes, and Growth Factors. She graduated from Mary Washington College in Virginia with a degree in B.S. as well as a degree in M.S. from The John Hopkins University in Maryland. In this article it defends the reasons why organic farmers are against genetically modified foods statin strong opinions of why they are against the issue. I used this article because I needed a strong opinion against the use of genetically modified organisms.**

Lilliston, Ben. "Farmers Fight to Save Organic Crops." Progressive 1 Sept. 2001: 26. eLibrary. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://elibrary.bigchalk.com>.


 * This article is a primary source written by Ben Lilliston, an author for a newspaper called //The Progressive//. Lilliston has a Bachelor of Philosophy degree from University of Miami Ohio. He has worked as a researcher, writer and editor at a number of organizations including the Center for Study of Responsive Law, the Corporate Crime Reporter, Multinational Monitor, Cancer Prevention Coalition and Sustain. He’s a frequently published writer, and previously a co-author of the book Genetically Engineered Foods: A Guide for Consumers. This article talks about the causes and effects of genetically modified organisms and states the reasons of why farmers are against the use of GMO's. I used this article because I needed an opposing view on the topic of genetically modified organisms.**

"Weighing the GMO Arguments: Against." FAO Newsroom. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2003. Web. 14 May 2012. <http://www.fao.org>.

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Vaughn, Jacqueline. "Normal Borlaug." Issues: Understanding Controversy and Society. unknown. ABC-CLIO. 19. April. 2012. <[|http://www.issues.abc-clio.com]>
 * This article is a source that was posted by in the FAO Newsroom, published by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. This website is a site where there are rules and guidelines in which government officials can look at in order to keep in mind some of the rules and regulations relating to agriculture. This article weighs the pros and cons of genetically modified foods and states reasonable opinions in which some are against the issue. I used this article because I was in need of ideas and opinions from opposing viewpoints in order to create an argument for my paper.**

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">**This biography is a secondary source written by Jacqueline Vaughn. This article highlights all of Borlaug's achievements and summarizes his work. I chose this article because Norman Borlaug is a main contributor to genetic engineering and there was some good information that seemed useful for my paper.**

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Various authors. "Genetic Engineering/GMOs - Controversy." unknown. Om Organics. 20. April. 2012. <[|http://www.omorganics.org]>

<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">**This article is a secondary source written by various authors from Om Organics. In this article, the main controversy's of genetic engineering in agriculture are addressed. I chose it because it gave me outline ideas that produced more ideas of how I can branch out the controversy of my topic.**