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The Various Benefits And Disadvantages Of Non GMO

By Megan Landry


The abbreviation GMO stands for genetically modified organism. Like their name suggests, non GMO are those produce that are naturally produced and are organic. With genetic modification, one or more genes are removed from DNA of organisms like viruses and bacteria. Genes that are so removed get recombined into the organisms where alteration is desired.

With addition of such new genes, the genetic engineers want them to exhibit growth characteristics similar to those of organisms from where the genes are removed. The safety of GMO has been in question over time, with most organizations and countries questioning how safe they are. This is the reason it is a requirement that foods sold are supposed to be labeled for the sake of informing the buyers what to expect.

One major concern that people have with buying organic foods is the costs involved. They are more costly than their conventional counterparts. The higher prices can be partly linked to the expensive farming practices that accompany their production. Since fruits and vegetables that are organically produced are not treated with preservatives, they spoil much faster.

There are several benefits that are associated with organic foods. Perhaps more importantly is the fact that they do not have as many chemicals. The practices of farming used are natural and thus, safe. With non natural methods, there is the use of sewage sludge and several other pesticides. Hormones are also used for stimulation of production of more milk and eggs.

The pesticides used on plants or animals are likely to leave residues on them. When such produce are consumed, there is likely to be dangerous effects. On the same note, antibiotics and hormones used used are equally risky. Such can be prevented through the use of organic farming.

The environment is very important and there have been campaigns to protect it against any form of destruction. The use of non GMO is designed for protection of the environment. The fact that chemicals and artificial techniques are not used means water, soil and air will be safe. The organic methods of production are more humane.

There are a number of disadvantages of organic farming as well. First and foremost, there is a challenge of maintaining organic kitchens. This is informed by the fact that the costs of these foods is high, plus there has been increased acceptance of non organic foods, which makes the used by many. Using purely organic foods is tedious, and at times inconveniencing.

The number of companies venturing into production of non GMOs. This in the long run makes it disadvantageous to small business enterprises. This is because over time, there is a requirement that producers and those that sell organic foods need to be certified. The process of certification is both costly and complicated. Small farmers may not afford such.

As to whether non GMO is more nutritious than GMO has not been conclusively determined. There has been the general belief that genetically modified produce is not as nutritious but this has no basis, at least as at now. In terms of nutrient value, the two are more or less at the same level.




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