Geneti cally modified food nature changes ail the time In order to adapt to the changing environment all living organisms are constantly mutating to ereate neve forms, Humans have a right to change genes of otherorganiamsin order to save their own species, r “ive have norighttochangenature Humans should not interfere with what was given by nature, We are one of its many creations and nature regulates the processes of evolution atits own pace, + GMFis generally benefieial for the environment It is possible to produce crops resistant to specific Ikinds of pests and weeds and therefore requiring fewer pesticides and herbicides. Thus, smaller amounts of chemicals are introduced into eco- systems, which in turn means that humans and ani- ‘mals are exposed loss to their pernicious influence, * in the long run, OM crops will devastate the environment Pests are able to mutate and transfor to plants that are not engineered to fight them. As evolution eon- tinues, new forms af insects will develop that will be resistant to known pesticides. This willlead to a much greater use of chemicals, which are detrimental tothe environment. * GMP will help maintain natural resources Genetically engineered plants may be able to decontaminate polluted land, where new crops can then be grown, It is also possible to produce plants ‘that require less water, thus saving large quantities ofthis commodity the world’s population will behealthier Scientists are able to incorporate vaecines into plants and in thet way inoculate people against such diseases as measles or cholera, or add drugs whieh eure some diseases. It is also possible to produce food ‘without substances to which people are allergic. ‘the problem of famine will be solved Plants can be grown in countries where severe ‘weather conditions make it extremely hard to pro- duee crops, for example in parts of Africa and Asia. ‘Genetic modification can boost crop yields, and thus ‘make food more available in those countries. * production of GMF will contribute to the welfare of societies ‘The limited use of herbicides and pesticides will lower the costs of the production af food, whieh will in turn enhance agricultural productivity. As a re- sult, income per eapita will be higher and therefore the standard ofliving willimprove. * @MF will damage land and pollute water |As more chemicals are used, water will be more con- ‘taminated, Besides, now substances will be added to plants, which will make soil infertile and deficient in nutrients. + new diseases are bound to develop ‘The increased use of antibioties in plants will lead to strains of new infectious diseases which are resistant, to them. Besides, sinco the effects of GMF on the human organism have not yet been checked, it is possible that some people may become allergic tit. © GMF will not change the situation of the poorest ‘countries ‘There is enough food to feed everyone in the worl. ‘The major problems its improper allocation and the corporations, which will not move their production to ‘poor countries, because it is not profitable or them. production of GME will eause inequalities in economy Because of licenses, access to the technology will be restricted and only big corporations will be able to afford to buy the know-how. Smaller farmers will not bbe able to compete with big producers and will eventually fallout of the market.ecanstmerstvill Benefit from GME New niche markets will develop because GMF can Misty the needs of specific consumers, For example, Sefontsts axe able to produce easy-to-peel seedless senges, oF rice rich in vitamin A and iron, which people in sialack. “3 GMF tastes better (GMP can be produced in such a way that it fits In ‘ran needs and expectations, For example, oranges hat are always sweet and some vegetables that are nore salty than traditionally grownones can both be [btained through genetic modifications, Genetically modified food Sconsumerswill have no choice Hall faod is genetically engineered, people will have nno choice what to eat, More money should be spent on research on traditional agriculture, so that such products are alsoavailablein shops. * thetaste of CMF is artificial GM plants are artificially created in laboratories. Eating fruit and vegetables manufactured in this, ‘way is ike eating synthetic food. Even if these modi- fied plants are grown in soil, one shudders at the very thoughtof their unnatural taste. EXERCISES J, Match the words in A, B and C with their synonyms or definitions. 1, decontaminate fa. change one’s characteristics as a result of changes in 2. enhance genes: 3. inoculate 1b, make an injection to protect against a disease 4. interfere «. increase; make better 5. mutate i remove dangerous substances ce. get involved in sth in order to change it Aeniehe market a. a substance that protects against a disease 2. pest, ‘b, an unwanted plant ina garden 8. vaccine c. the amount of crops that has been produced 4. weed d. an insect which damages crops 5. yield e. a small area within an economy which trades in specialized goods 1. infectious ‘a. destructive; harmful 2. infertile D. affected by sth, 3. pernicious c. unproductive; wasted 4, resistant d. easily passed on from one person to another 5. subject fe. not alfected or damaged by sth TL. Fit in the spaces below in A and B with the words given to form collocations and correct phir CROPS DISEASES ENVIRONMENT FOOD LAND USE L 2 8 cultivate distribute damage econtaminate grow grow irrigate prepare harvest reclaim, produce plant work the search for roap | 95Geneti cally modified food 96 4 6 lean | appropriate chronic hostile | _ devastating contagious natural officient deadly polluted excessive | infectious suitable limited | progressive widespread Tha in in on on to to to with with Genetic modification is beneficial .. all consumers because it enables them to choose what they want. People in Asia tend to be deficient... vitamin A because rice is the staple food there. . The regulations concerning environmental issues are subject .. change, J. Scientists should conduct a research ... the influence of diet on people's health. 5. It's no use competing ... that company; it's bigger and has more money to spend on advertising that we do. 6. The high inflation rate may have a negative effect .. the economy. 1, Dairy produets are rich . caleium and therefore make your bones stronger. 8. More and more people tend to be allergic .. chemical substances nowadays. ©. Away with GM food! I love looking at my garden plants growing slowly .. their own pace. 10, What will happen to us if we keep on interfering ... genes? TIL. Refer back to the arguments for and against genetically modified food and answer the following questions. Use your own words if possible. 1, Look back at the arguments presented above and decide which arguments seem most! east convincing to you. Givereasons for yourchoice. Genetic modification is a new technology, and therefore not very well researched yet. To what extent could it be dangerous? 3, Whatis the impact of GMF on the environment? Give examples to justify your answer. 4, In what way may GME affect people's health? Is GMF safe for human beings? How can we be sure that what we eatis not dangerous for us? Explain your answer. 5, “Genetic modification of food is like cloning animals.” Do you agree or disageree with this statement? Justify your opinion, 6, In what way can GMF influence the living standards of people around the world? Give examples toillustrate your answer. 17, Inwhat way can an individual consumer benefit from GM food? ‘8, Genetic engineering is an example of technology that may affect our lives more signifi cantly than any other invention. To what extent can human beings interfere with the natural order of things? Where is the creation of GM food leading us to? Give reasons for ‘your opinion, 9, Itis said that you are what you eat ~ does it mean that along with the food we consume we will change as well? Give reasons for your opinion. 2