Welcome back! Please get out your objectives #14-18 and your outline of GMO reading in textbook for TWO stamps.

The way we eat has changed more in the past 50 years than in the last 10,000

The Green Revolution(s) Green Revolution #1 ( ) Increased fertilizer, fossil fuel, and water Increased yield 2-5 times WITHOUT using more land Green Revolution #2 (1967-now) – introduction of genetically engineered crops

Selective Breeding/hybridization Pollen transferred Closely related species many generations Gradual improvements

Flavor, shape, color, resistance to disease, resistance to frost

Glo fish

GMOs Genetically Modified Organisms Transgenic organisms – insertion of particular gene into an unrelated organism to take advantage of a helpful trait

Golden rice – b-carotene added B-carotene (Vitamin A) deficiencies = blindness and death (still in the testing stages)

Aquabounty salmon Gene from Chinook Pacific salmon for growth added to Atlantic salmon Added DNA for protein which is like antifreeze to keep growth hormone working Reaches maturity in 18 months instead of 3 yrs

Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans resistant to herbicideRoundup Ready soybeans Bt corn is modified with a bacterial gene in order to secrete a poison that kills pests. That can reduce the need for chemical pesticides. Bt corn

GMO Genetically Modified Organisms Soybeans (93%), corn (86%), alfalfa, sugar beets modified to be resistant to glyphosate Sweet peppers, squash modified to be resistant to viruses Cotton (93%) – pest resistance

GMO Pros Increased yields Desired traits not limited to related species No documented negative effects of eating GMO foods “terminator” genes increase profits of agribusiness Technologies are not inherently good/bad Cons Escaping pollen may alter wild species Unknown future health effects New allergens could be introduced Lack of labeling doesn’t allow for consumer choice “terminator” genes increases dependence of farmers on companies; ownership of technology presents legal and moral issues

Our question: Should GMO foods be labeled?

Should GMO foods be labled? Those in favor, including organic food companies and food activists, argue that …residents have a right to know what's in their food. Organic farmers, advocacy groups Those opposed, including various food and biotechnology giants, say the law could lead to higher prices at the grocery store and frivolous lawsuits. Monsanto, Dupont Pioneer, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg

GMO video clip

In your team: Determine your key talking points – what arguments will win the judges in your favor? Use your internet access to find articles with data to support your main talking points. Each person: Bring in copy of an article supporting your position with your data highlighted for easy use. Prepare defensive arguments against what you expect the other team to present.

Our question: Should GMO foods be labeled?

Where do we draw the line?