Buah, J. N. “Public Perception Of Genetically Modified Food In Ghana.”American
Journal Of Food Technology 6.7 (2011): 541-554. Academic Search
Complete. Web. 1 Nov. 2012.
Similar to the study done in Guyana on public perception, J. N. Buah aims at analyzing the effects of public perception and relative acceptance of GMOs within Ghana. This particular study aimed at analyzing the adult population of Ghana as a whole — allowing for a more diverse perspective of the public on GMOs. From March 2009 to September 2009, respondents from around the country were analyzed qualitatively through questionnaires. The survey focused on the literate population as a form of representation.
While the study by Donna Morrison provided an understanding of the way in which public perception could be integrated through a top-down approach, this study focused on the literate population as a whole — from ordinary individuals to university professors. From the findings, it was realized that the least educated, as far as GMOs are concerned, had a greater ambivalence towards the technology. This study furthers the argument that a public awareness of GMOs is necessary for a greater understanding of the technology. It is important to establish a means of disseminating information regarding GMOs to the greater public in areas like Ghana. Also, how can the socioeconomic standing of the country influence the way in which they form opinions regarding GMOs? Would a study among European respondents generate the same data found in Ghana and Guyana?
Maghari, Behrokh Mohajer, and Ali M. Ardekani. “Genetically Modified Foods
And Social Concerns.” Avicenna Journal Of Medical Biotechnology 3.3
(2011): 109-117. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Nov. 2012.
In this review, Maghari and Ardekani provide a general overview of the social concerns surrounding GMOs. They summarize major concerns regarding GM techniques, health risks associated with GM food consumption, and GM food labeling. Overall on the cautious side, this article provides a wider grasp of the potential deterrents of GMOs, some of which include the creation of superpests and superweeds, diminished biodiversity, and potential long term side effects in consumers. The article also brings up the positive aspects of GMOs, including the potential elimination of world hunger, and environmental benefit. The article brings into question the vast amount of risks surrounding GMOs, and whether the uncertainty surrounding this technology outweighs its positive aspects. How can we truly incorporate something so unknown in consequence into our markets?
Miller, Alan. “Debate Of Genetically Modified Organisms Used In Food.” US-
China Law Review 8.2 (2011): 137-157. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1
Nov. 2012.
This source outlines the legal history behind GMOs, with a focus on the United States and Europe. It focuses greatly on the logistics behind international trade, and the role of regulation in determining trade agreements. The article itself is derived from the US-China Law Review, and reads like a legal document. It sheds light on the legal proceedings behind GMOs, and the way in which various countries have responded, in the form of legislation, to biotechnology. While health and scientific concerns do govern law-making behind transgenic products, it can be noted that ethical, as well as societal issues also play a role. Europe’s prohibition of genetically modified organisms, despite a greater scientific backing, provides an example for the overall lack of acceptance of genetically modified foods overseas. Meanwhile, the United States recognizes the concerns behind GMOs, and responds accordingly through regulation, and continues to both imports and exports GMOs.
Morrison, Donna. “Awareness And Perception Of Genetic Modification Among
Science And Technical Vocational Teachers In Guyana: Focusing On
Genetically Modified Foods.” Journal Of Agricultural Science & Technology
B2.7B (2012): 789-797. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Nov. 2012.
This source was a study done by Donna Morrison regarding the correlation between public awareness versus public acceptance of GMOs in Guyana. The study focused on science and technical vocational teachers, ranging from home economics and general science to agriscience and biology. It is through these teachers that the greater public would eventually become educated on GMOs. It is the researchers opinion that the interaction between teacher and student would trickle into the various communities each student belonged to, essentially educating the public from the top down. The purpose of the study was to determine whether a greater awareness of both the benefits, as well as a general understanding of the technology, of GMOs would help generate a greater acceptance of the process and consumption of genetically modified foods. It was determined, through qualitative measures, that a greater awareness does in fact correlate with a much more positive understanding of GMOs, and may potentially lead individuals to advocate for genetically modified foods.
It can be argued that the controversy behind GMOs may reside in the fact that the general public does not have an understanding of either the process, or benefits, of biotechnology in regard to agriculture. Instead of merely labeling food products to state that GMOs are present, it may even be more important for consumers to understand what this label means — which would in turn help them determine whether they will choose to consume these products or not. At the same time, due to the nature of capitalism, it could be argued that interest groups may only want to present information to the public that shines a positive light on biotechnology — essentially brainwashing consumers into accepting the benefits of GMOs, while at the same time being left in the dark of the potential risks.
A. M. Salariya, et al. “GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (Gmos): FOOD
SECURITY OR THREAT TO FOOD SAFETY.” Pakistan Journal Of Science
64.2 (2012): 6-12. Academic Search Complete. Web. 1 Nov. 2012.
This article, b y S. J. Kahn, S. Muafia, Z. Nasreen, and A. M. Salariya, attempts to weigh between the issues of food security and food safety revolving around GMOs. With the advancements of agriscience, we are now able to create organisms that can withstand a multitude of actors in the environment — from pests, to weather, to other plants. This resilience in turn provides a higher yielding of crop, and therefore a greater supply of food for our ever growing population. What we must consider though, is the effect of this resilience on the environment. Could the crops pollute the environment in the long run? With this focus on biosafety, the authors bring up case studies of health hazards due to genetic testing on animals and plants. They also consider past environmental hazards as examples of potential future problems from GMOs.
One question that was also brought up within the text had to do with the relationship between small farms and bioengineered seeds. These seeds are sold at premium and in large quantities, which may not be affordable to smaller run farms. Not only are there environmental and health factors to consider, but also economic concerns. These seeds can not only harm us personally, but also eliminate the ability of some to create sustainable small businesses.