AGRICULTURAL BIOTECH

Agricultural biotech consists of genetically modifying crops by adding additional substances to the crops. This is controlled by various government agencies and there are many advantages to agriculture biotech.

The transport, growth, and propagation of genetically modified crops are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. If a farmer or company wishes to grow these types of crops, they must obtain a permit. New chemical substances are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. They normally regulate hazardous chemicals. Genetically modified crops have added natural chemicals added to them but the Environmental Protection Agency still oversees them. They do not oversee traditional crops that are sprayed with pesticides.

Agricultural biotech is favored by many people because of the benefits. A couple of examples on how food is modified include making soy beans non-allergenic by removing the allergen. Farmers have also added an enzyme that breaks down cancer causing aflatoxins found in peanuts and corn seeds, making the nuts less vulnerable.

Farmers love agricultural biotech because the production of crops is much cheaper than traditional crops. In addition, there is less of a health risk to the farmers and the consumers because the genetically modified crops don’t require as much, if any pesticides. This means the farmers are not inhaling the pesticides and endangering themselves.

Today, there are no known safety issues of agricultural biotech and opponents have yet to provide any scientific evidence of harmful health issues related to genetically modified crops. There is no proof that the genetically modified crops will harm the environment any more or less than traditional crops. Also, there are high hopes of genetically modifying crops in third world countries and improving the soils and production.

Agricultural biotech offers healthier food because the crops are added with minerals, vitamins, and cancer fighting nutrients. Allergens are removed from the food. Less pesticides and less tilling of the soil also means that there is less erosion to the soil.

Agricultural biotech is a new concept that is beneficial for all consumers, farmers, and to the land. The farmers are now equipped with a healthier way to produce more crops for everyone in a faster period.

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Biotech Nutrition
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