Abstract
The paper provides an overview of the green revolution and its selective breeding that produced crops that were better suited to changing climate conditions and production levels. The paper discusses how these crops could help curb starvation but looks at the limitations of current practices. The paper then discusses genetically modified crops and their benefits but explains why this development must proceed with even more caution than the green revolution.

Outline:
Early Methods
Helping to Curb Starvation
Limitations of Current Practices
Green Revolution Crops and GMOs

From the Paper
"As the world population grows, humans face new challenges regarding how to feed the population. This problem is not new and industrialized nations led the race to develop crops that were more productive, disease resistant and that have more uses. During the 1960s and 1970s producers began an intensive program to develop crops that met the changing requirements of society. This is referred to as the "green revolution." This revolution was responsible for increases in food production in industrialized nations, but there are limitations as to what can be accomplished through these programs."

Tags:selective, breeding, genetic, engineering, traits, food, production

Abstract
This paper presents a viewpoint in opposition to genetically modified crops, or genetically engineered foods, asserting that these plants may have dire consequences in the health of consumers, animals, and world hunger. The paper claims that the lands that farmers cultivated for generations are ruined by modified plants. It also states that genetically modified crops have herbicide and pesticide resistant genes that encourage stronger, more destructive weeds, which in turns forces farmers to apply more pesticide, compromising the health of their farms and defeating the purpose of a resistant gene in a modified plant. The paper mentions the Monsanto Company, noting that organic farms have been run out by big companies that provide genetically modified crops to farmers. The paper concludes that through research and advocacy of organic agriculture, the public can have access to non-GM crops and foods; and this should eventually result in supporting hard-working farmers and improving the world's economy.

From the Paper
"The lands that farmers have been cultivating for years and generations were ruined by modified plants. Soil is also harmed by the herbicides and pesticides that farmers spray on to their fields. The modified crops that they plant have herbicide and pesticide resistant genes that keep them from dying of the chemicals. What the resistance from the plants has done is that the weeds and bacteria have evolved to be stronger and better at killing plants (Pollack). This turn in evolution has caused frenzy in farmers and so they spray more and more of the chemicals onto their fields, compromising the health of their farms and defeating the purpose of a resistant gene in a modified plant ("The World" 4). The problems of the conditions of the soil on farms are far less than the problems of keeping organic farms in the U.S. and Canada. Organic farms have been run out by big companies that provide genetically modified crops to farmers and pay them to plant. The infamous company in U.S. and Canada is Monsanto Company. Currently in Canada, there are no more organic canola oil farms because they have been contaminated by genetically modified canola, making them no longer organic (Rees 3-4). Supporters of Monsanto and GM foods say that farmers have a clear choice between picking GM crops and natural foods. The farmers in fact would like to have natural crops completely on their fields but the contamination of GM crop seeds make it very difficult to keep their seeds clean (Rees 4)."

Tags:DNA, world, hunger, starvation, shortage

Abstract
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of genetically modified (GM) crops. Specifically, the paper discusses the positive and negative responses from scientists and the general public to genetically modified foods, and assesses the potential of GM crops as a source of food.

From the Paper
"GM crops and foods are not brand new technology; they have existed for many years. In fact, studies into genetically modifying plant crops began in the 1980s (Goldstein, and Goldstein, 2002, p. 235). Most GM crops are crops that scientists and researches have genetically altered. Essentially, the plant's DNA, or very specific genes, are transferred between one plant and another to create special characteristics, such as hardiness, etc. This helps the plant grow faster, stronger, and better, and sometimes even repel pests and weeds. Some people call this process "genetic engineering." The scientists take the finest qualities of one plant and mate them with another, different plant to create a new sub-species or even species (Editors, 2005)."

Tags:food, plants, genes

Abstract
Discusses the importance of GM crops to worldwide farming. Division among people regarding use of GM plants. Benefits vs. ecological disasters. Safety issue. Review of recent studies on use of GM plants in the farm setting. Goal of GM crops toreduce need for pesticides. Harm to beneficial organisms.

From the Paper
"Introduction:
According to an article in Scientific America, genetically Modified (GM) crops are becoming an important part of worldwide farming with approximately 109 million acres under cultivation (Brown, 2001). However, most of the farmland is in the US (68%) and Argentina (23%), and the most common GM crops are soybean (36%), corn (7%), cotton (16%), and canola (11%). GM varieties are a major proportion of the total production of soybeans (58%) and corn (23%)(James, 2000).
The development and use of GM plants has divided people into 2 groups. One group believes GM plants offer benefits for both increased production of food and fiber, and decreased use of pesticides and herbicides. The opposing group believes GM plants will cause ecological disaster by inadvertently killing ..."

Abstract
This paper discusses genetic modification (GM) farming and analyzes the problems associated with the use of genetically modified food crops by a study of some recent scientific articles, which espouse this viewpoint. The paper contends that the rapid advancements in genomic science have created new possibilities in the fields of agriculture and in the treatment and management of diseases. The biotech revolution characterized by genetically engineered food products is regarded as a boon to the human society, a life-saving solution to manage the food crisis of our globe.

From the Paper
"Altering specific sequences of DNA allows plants to develop resistance to pesticides, resulting in increased yield. Using genetic engineering methods such as electroporation, gene gun, gene silencing and vector mediated transfer, scientists are now able to insert a new gene or control the expression of an already present gene in a plant. [UCS] In a special report from the 'New scientist' the author discusses some of the possibilities of applying genomic science into farming practices. Using these biotech processes scientists have created disease and herbicide resistant crops promising huge increase in productivity. The result of this biotech revolution was amazing. Vitamin boosted rice, Onions without tears, potatoes enriched with proteins, Soya built resistant to pesticides, and even caffeine free coffee became a reality and bio-engineered products offered endless possibilities."

Tags:biotechnology, genomics, electroporation

Abstract
This paper examines the technology behind genetically modified crops, the potential risks of GMCs, the benefits of GMCs, the criticisms of the arguments used to oppose GMCs, and the general worldwide opinion regarding the use of GMCs.

From the Paper
"But are these crops really so dangerous? The issue of genetic modification of crops is perhaps so vexing and problematic because the United States and the European Community pursue completely different policies regarding the issue. Unlike so many issues of health, both countries have completely different views as to the safety of genetic modification, the US allowing the process, the EU condemning it."

Tags:natural, engineered, healthful, genetic, structure, frankenstein, food, fda

Abstract
This paper discusses an article that appeared in a 2008 version of the journal Environmental Science and Technology. The paper explains its argument that the land used for bioenergy crop production should not be food agriculture land or forest area, but rather abandoned farm and pasture land, since this could have substantial positive effects for poorer nations with smaller energy consumption.

From the Paper
"This paper shall discuss a journal article that appeared in Environmental Science Technology that looks at the use of abandoned agricultural land as a potential space for the growth of bioenergy crops.
"Where is the Smartest Place to Plant Bioenergy Crops? Given the growing alarm over climate change and its effects on the Earth's ecosystem, many scientists, engineers, activists and politicians have brought forth ideas on methods to combat these issues. Taken in concert with rising fossil fuel-based energy supplies, and there has been a substantial amount of interest and investment placed into the production..."

Tags:bioenergy, crops, agriculture

Abstract
The paper discusses how, as the Earth's average temperature rises, crop production decreases. The paper notes the significance of a decrease in crop production and provides a literature review. The paper shows how, in general, global warming has a negative effect on crop production and the unpredictability of climatic change can also have a negative effect on crop production when farmers are ill-prepared. The paper points out, however, that although many crops will suffer, certain crops such as winter wheat seem to thrive in the global warming models.

Outline:
Introduction
Hypothesis
Conceptualization
Journal Article Summaries
Summary

From the Paper
"Peng et al. (2004) explore the affect of higher night temperatures, from global warming, on rice production. They evaluated these effects by a direct study on the effects of global warming on crop production, by analyzing weather data at the International Rice Research Institute Farm, from the years 1979 to 2003. They examined temperature trends and how they related to rice yield, by using the data obtained from irrigated field experiments, that were conducted at the International Rice Research Institute Farm. The researchers found that rice production fell 10 percent for each 1o C increase in minimum temperature. However, maximum temperature had an insignificant effect on crop yield. Therefore the researchers concluded that there was direct evidence that rice yields decreased with increased nighttime temperature associated with global warming."

Tags:climate, change, rice, wheat, maize, temperature

Abstract
This paper explains that, although the American consumer has become comfortable with the debate about the safety of genetically modified seeds, in Europe and Africa, some individuals have labeled imported GM produces as ?eco-terrorist? practices of sabotage by the U.S., preferring to starve rather than to eat this type of food. The author points out that, misguided as it may have been, the African nations' banning of GM seeds was an attempt to set local, national standards for the creation of a form of modern agriculture that was ?right for Africa.? The paper states that one of the problems in much of the world is not a lack of technology, but a lack of government infrastructure.

From the Paper
"Thomas DeGregori sees such hysteria as a form of Luddite technophobia. (DeGregori, 2002, 152). He also sees the African example as a dangerous result of first-world generated fears regarding important new agricultural technology. The capitalism that fueled genetically modified crops that are more resistant to disease and easier to produce in difficult climates, DeGregori suggests, will be the salvation of the world, if only environmentalists will step aside. DeGregori, it must be noted, does not stand alone on the world agricultural state in his fervent belief in the value of capitalism. "

Tags:africa, standards, capitalism, sabotage, import

Abstract
The paper explores the long-term prospects of GM crops by looking at the scientific controversies regarding these crops' effects on our health, effects on children, their impact on the environment and the possibility of gene contamination. The paper shows how it is not yet clear if the biotechnological revolution is destined to be the magical cure for the famine-torn third world nations or just a temporary solution that may be ridden with unwanted health and economic consequences. The paper concludes that with the divided opinions as to the safety of GM crops, embracing the 'biotechnology way' as a solution presents a difficult choice.

Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
GM Food Regulations and Patenting
GM Foods (Health Effects)
Antibiotic Marker Genes (Danger for Children)
The Environmental Factor
Gene Contamination
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Biotechnology has advanced at an amazing pace and what was only a talk in the last decade is now already a reality. GM food has become a topic of heated debate over the last few years. The ethical perceptions and opinions about GM food are quite varied. Robert Shapiro the CEO of Monsanto feels, "There now exists an opportunity to create a genuine science of nutrition, something that has never existed in human history". In the UK prince Charles' opinion, "I happen to believe that this kind of genetic modification takes mankind into the realms that belong to God, and God alone" [Michael Specter] Besides the ethics of GM food, issues pertaining to the health, environmental effects, Patents and safety regulations and other public concerns have to be carefully ascertained. With millions of people in African (Sudan, Zambia, etc) countries facing chronic hunger and severely malnourished the prospect of GM food as a potential solution to the food crisis needs to be rigorously evaluated."

Tags:genetic, engineering, food, regulations, patents, antibiotic, marker, genes, contamination