I n n o v a t o r s
M o n s a n t o
Our scientists work to identify genes that have the potential to benefit a plant grown by farmers. When they identify a potentially beneficial gene, plant scientists make a copy of the desired gene, and insert it into another plant. Each new GMO undergoes years of testing to ensure that it brings value to farmers and is as safe as the non-GMO counterpart—on average, it takes 13 years and costs $130 million to bring a GMO to market.
B a y e r C r o p S c i e n c e
Bayer CropScience uses genetic modification to "propel farming's future". Their products contain various herbicide and insecticide resistant traits allowing them to be planted alongside these chemicals.Engineered traits that are used to facilitate crop breeding, to promote the tolerance of crops to herbicides, and some to improve the efficiency with which crops use water and nutrients.
S y n g e n t a
Syngenta AG is a global company agribusiness that produces agrochemicals and seeds. As a biotechnology company, it conducts genomic research. It was formed in 2000 by the merger of Novartis Agribusiness and Zeneca Agrochemicals. As of 2014 Syngenta was the world’s largest crop chemical producer, strongest in Europe. As of 2009 it ranked third in seeds and biotechnology sales.Syngenta plays a major role in the production and marketing of genetically modified crops. Syngenta faced a lawsuit due to exporting unwanted GMO corn into China causing $1 billion damage.
Watson and Crick
In 1953, Watson and Crick discovered the double helix which is the twisted-ladder structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). This gave a rise to molecular biology which is vital in understanding how genes control the chemical processes within cells. It helped in the production of new and powerful scientific techniques, specifically recombinant DNA research, genetic engineering, rapid gene sequencing, and monoclonal antibodies, techniques on which today's multi-billion dollar biotechnology industry is founded.
I m p a c t s
Social
Economic
Legal
Recent criticism of agricultural technology has centered on its direct and indirect negative social consequences. Direct consequences include harm done to a specific group or class of farmers, such as causing unemployment among farm laborers. Indirect consequences include negative changes in the relative position of a specific group or class of farmers-especially the social and economic losses of small farms relative to large farms.
As indicated earlier, the primary impact of genetically modifying technology has been able to provide more cost effective (less expensive) and easier weed control, as opposed to improving yields, the improved weed control has, nevertheless, delivered higher yields in some countries.
Countries around the world have spoken out against GM foods. For instance, some have banned all GM foods while others have concerns about how safe the foods are and have chosen to ban only specific GM foods. Venezuela placed a ban on GM foods several years ago while Hungary more recently banned the importation and production of GM maize, despite authorisation in the European Union.
In terms of politics, GM foods will probably continue to have consequences as governments around the world make opposing choices about this technology.