Allison, Bio-crops

This article highlights the good and bad about genetically engineered crops. Asseblyman Jared Huffman introduced a new bill that would protect farmers whose land is being cross-contaminated by farmers who grow these bio-crops. The bill specifically outlines that if a certain amount of damage is accrued in one year due to cross-contamination, then the farmer is allowed to sue the manufacturer of the bio-crop. Many California counties, such as Mendocino and Santa Cruz, have already passed bills outlawing these crops to be grown all together. Those opposed to genetically engineered crops argue that they contaminate the soil for other foods and lead to weeds that are resistant to earth friendly pesticides. On the other side of the issue, these bio-crops have a longer shelf life, and can be altered to have more vitamins, which would greatly benefit developing countries. It is believed that this debate will not cease until the federal government steps in.

Bio-Crops: Crops that have been genetically altered using DNA to make them less susceptible to parasites and have a longer shelf life.

I think that an outright ban on all genetically engineered crops would be a little hasty, but I do feel that the issue should be researched more as to what both the good and bad effects of it are. One thing we might want to look at is that insects stay away from genetically engineered food much more than organically grown food, this should alert us and scientist should figure why the insects do not like it and if the thing that is making them stay away is bad for us. It will be interesting to se what the final result is on this measure, and if the rest of the country will follow or not. I feel like this is a new area that we still need to explore before making any definite decisions for or against it.

Vara-Orta, Francisco. "Laws Take Aim At Genetically Altered Crops." LA Times 10 Apr. 2007, sec. B: 2.