Organic, Engineered and Pharma Crop Foods:

I have noticed a recent increase in the amount of organic food that is available and the interest in this food. I personally believe that organic food is a better choice, so when I have the choice, I buy organic. I believe organic food is a better choice because the over-use of chemicals and pesticides bothers me. Not only do I not want to eat these chemicals, but they are harmful to the environment.

However, I have noticed what I feel is a contradicting view amongst other organic food consumers. This deals with genetically engineered foods. In my experiences, I have found that people who choose to buy organic also choose not to by genetically engineered foods. These foods are often regarded with the same disdain as crops grown with pesticides and chemicals. I couldn’t disagree more. The advancements made in genetically engineered foods can positively effect world hunger and natural resource depletment. In addition, newly engineered strains are more resistant to disease and pests, hence reduce the uses of chemicals and pesticides. So if you buy organic food because you don’t like what chemicals and pesticides do to the environment and/or don’t like ingesting them yourself, then you should embrace engineered food.

On a side note, I recently read an article about pharma crops. This is engineering food to contain antibiotics, vaccines, and other drugs. I am not quite sure what the need for this is. It seems people have no problem taking their drugs in the forms in which they exist today. This article also warned of some dangers associated with pharma crops. As these crops are grown it will be very difficult to keep them from cross-pollinating and contaminating the normal strains. I could also see this being an issue with genetically engineered food. Although I think that these engineered foods will be beneficial, I also realize we are experimenting and testing these new form of agriculture. Along with pharma crops I would not like to see these experiment strains contaminate our food supply.

It will take extreme responsibility and a watchful eye to make sure these new advancements are handled properly. But if you eat organic foods and are concerned about the world’s food supply, I strongly suggest considering engineered foods. I just hope my aspirin corn does not get mixed in with that Viagra corn!