People have been breeding plants for centuries, however, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) have been gaining territory, pushing organic farming aside. But genetic modification is quite different from traditional hybridization: plants with more desirable characteristics are not just bred, scientists directly alter their DNA. The introduction of these genetically modified organisms has triggered widespread protests in many countries, which shows that not everyone is happy with them.
One of the main concerns is that the development of GMOs will lead to an inevitable change in nature's balance. Scientists say that herbicide resistant crops would benefit farmers worldwide. However, if this characteristic is accidentally passed on to weeds, there will be fewer ways to fight them back. This would lead to the development of new herbicide products. These would be too expensive for small farmers, leaving them out of business.
Though the defendants of GMOs state that these products are the solution to numerous problems such as world hunger and plague, the lobby against are convinced that this is only because of someone's interest in making profits. Not only are these corporations destroying the organic market, they are also putting consumers at risk. Although there is no evidence of fatalities due to GMO's, these combinations could result hazardous to human beings. This is mostly because of the possibility of humans developing allergic reactions to genetically modified products. But do these corporations care? No, they will flood the market with their products at no expense.
Genetically modified food is an important breakthrough which could have positive results in other areas like medicine. However, scientists should not tinker with nature. Human arrogance could lead us to worse problems than those we have today.