Good Day Everyone I am your presenter Louise Andrei De Luna here to discuss the topic

Ethical Issues of GM Crops.

But before we start with our discussion let us have a mini game titled, Scribble. Let me read
the instructions and rules.. (naglaro na)
● Congrats everyone you all did an amazing job now let us move on, so what is a gm
crop? GM is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the genome of an
organism. To produce a GM plant, new DNA is transferred into plant cells. Usually,
the cells are then grown in tissue culture where they develop into plants. The seeds
produced by these plants will inherit the new DNA. Genetic modification of plants
involves adding a specific stretch of DNA into the plant’s genome, giving it new or
different characteristics. This could include changing the way the plant grows, or
making it resistant to a particular disease. The new DNA becomes part of the GM
plant’s genome which the seeds produced by these plants will contain.
● Ethics is a set of moral principles and standards by which a community regulates its
behavior and decides as to the legitimacy or illegitimacy of an activity. It examines the
rational justification for our moral judgments; it studies what is morally right or wrong,
just or unjust. In the food industry, ethics is defined as “a set of standards that
govern or influence the conduct of behavior of a food/nutrition professional or
organization and can be influenced by food customs and societal customs.”
Now let us focus on our main topic, What are the Ethical Issues surrounding GM Crops?
1. Genetic Diversity: Introducing novel genes into crop species through GM crops can
reduce genetic diversity within the crop population. This is particularly concerning when only
a few genetically modified varieties are extensively grown. The loss of genetic diversity
makes crops more susceptible to pests, diseases, and environmental fluctuations. Genetic
diversity plays a vital role in natural defense mechanisms and resilience. When unique
genetic traits disappear, it diminishes the overall genetic pool of cultivated crops, further
increasing their vulnerability to various challenges.
2. Contamination of Non-GM Gene Pools: There is a risk of gene flow from GM crops to
non-GM or wild relatives through cross-pollination. This can result in the unintended spread
of genetically modified traits beyond the intended boundaries, potentially impacting the
genetic integrity of non-GM or wild populations. Contamination can be of particular concern
in regions where traditional or organic farming practices rely on maintaining GM-free or
non-GM status.
3. Unforeseen Ecological Consequences: Introducing new genes into the gene pool of
GM crops can have unintended ecological effects. For instance, when insecticidal genes are
transferred to GM crops, they can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects.
The full extent of the impact on ecosystem dynamics and biodiversity is often uncertain and
unpredictable. This lack of understanding raises ethical concerns regarding potential harm to
ecosystems and the unintended disruption of natural ecological processes. It highlights the
need for thorough ecological assessments and consideration of potential risks before
implementing GM crops to ensure the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem health.
4. Monopoly and Concentration of Power: The dominance of a few agrochemical
corporations in the GM seed market leads to limited competition, reducing farmers' choices
and bargaining power. This concentration of power restricts access to alternative seed
sources, resulting in higher prices and a lack of innovation. Farmers become dependent on
these corporations, worsening their economic challenges. The lack of competition stifles
research and development, hindering the introduction of diverse seed varieties and impeding
agricultural progress. This imbalance of power reinforces economic disparities and
marginalizes small-scale farmers, while consolidating control over vital genetic resources.
Ultimately, the monopolistic practices in the GM seed market hinder farmers' ability to adapt
to evolving agricultural needs and environmental conditions.
5. Economic Disparities: Small-scale and resource-limited farmers are disproportionately
affected by the high costs of GM seeds, which worsens economic inequalities. These
farmers face difficulties in affording expensive GM seeds and become reliant on them.
However, if the expected productivity gains do not materialize, they can fall into cycles of
debt. This situation is particularly challenging in regions where the benefits of GM crops may
not be realized as anticipated. Overall, the economic impact of expensive GM seeds
exacerbates the divide between large-scale and small-scale farmers, widening existing
socioeconomic disparities.
6. Unnaturalness: The "unnaturalness" of GM crops is a concern for some people, who
believe that altering the genetic makeup of organisms in ways that do not occur naturally
raises ethical questions. They argue that such interventions go against the principles of
nature and may disrupt ecosystems. Critics believe that humans should not interfere with the
natural order of life and that genetic modification exceeds ethical boundaries.
7. Health Risks: Critics argue that the long-term health effects of consuming GM crops have
not been adequately studied. They express concerns about the potential for allergenicity,
toxicity, and other unforeseen health risks associated with the genetic modifications. From
an ethical standpoint, there is a responsibility to ensure that any potential risks to human
health are thoroughly assessed and managed.

Now lets finish our topic by a conclusion, To conclude, ethical issues surrounding GM crops
encompass concerns about environmental impacts, human health and safety,
socioeconomic implications, consumer choice, and the debate on unnaturalness. Balancing
the potential benefits of GM technology with these ethical considerations is crucial for
responsible decision-making and policy development in the field of GM crops.

And that's the end of my presentation. Thank you for listening and I hope you learned
something.