GM food

Benefits of GM food

1. Increased productivity

For example: a herbicide-tolerant crop: help farmer to reduce input costs without affecting yield(using less or cheaper herbicides), or increase yields without increasing input costs.

2. Environmental amentities

Nutrient pollution in soil and loss of soil fertility. Thus, genetically modified crops that could be grown without the need for irrigation, tillage or chemical pesticides.

3. Food safety and product quality

For example: Calgene tomato taste better because it can be harvested later and retain its peak of quality longer


Unintended consequences of GM food

1. Food safety


2. Animal wellbeing


3. Environmental impact


4. Social consequences

Reference: Thompson, P.B. (1997) Food Biotechnology in Ethical Perspective. UK: Blackie Academic & Professional.