EDITORIAL - Genetic engineering

The debate on genetically modified organisms has moved to the eggplant, with the controversy going all the way up to the Supreme Court. The issues have never been simple. Scientists have been tinkering with the genetic makeup of agricultural crops for a long time. Many potato chips come from genetically modified crops. The so-called super rice, which helped reduce global hunger several decades ago, can be considered a GMO. It was developed by scientists at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños, Laguna.

Scientists have spoken up on the GMO debate, defending genetic engineering to increase crop yields and make them more resistant to pests. Genetic engineering can also improve the size, appearance and texture of crops, making them pass export requirements. Among the worst results so far of genetic tinkering is that certain crops such as tomatoes can taste bland, although biotechnology has also produced exceptionally sweet corn. Some GMOs have also killed certain species in their natural habitat.

A major criticism of GMOs is that these are engineered to compel purchases of seeds or seedlings from the companies that developed the crops. Governments, farmers, and operators of agricultural estates, however, should have the choice of buying seeds for every harvest from a company or producing their own from previous batches.

There is also a debate on which is safer for human health: crops that are genetically altered to resist the many types of plant infestations, or non-GMOs that are regularly sprayed with pesticides. Organically grown crops are ideal, but these are not yet being produced in sufficient quantities to feed the masses. Organic products also continue to be priced significantly higher than regular agricultural items.

Genetic engineering has its downside, but GMOs are designed for higher yields, which can mean more income for farmers. Bigger harvests can bring down food prices and ease hunger. This is one of the biggest arguments for biotechnology. There are agencies tasked to determine the safety of agricultural and other food products, including GMOs. The government must bear these issues in mind as it draws up a policy on genetically modified organisms.