Genetically Modified Crops, more commonly known as G.M.O.s, are things we all encounter almost every single time we eat something in the present day. Crops and food are genetically tampered with in order to create a desired result; genes can be added or taken away from a living organisms DNA, which helps change the organism into what is a desired end result. At the beginning, this sounds like a great idea; we can create foods to be the way we want them to be, we can create them in large quantities, and sell them in bulk to create great profit. The problem with this: genetically modifying crops creates food, that when ingested, can cause a vast array of different health issues for human beings, as well as issues for the planet due to the methods in which they are produced.
In May of 2013, on the island of Kona, Hawaii, a bill was proposed to initiate a ban on the use of G.M.O.s in growing crops; the bill was later passed by a ratio of 6 to 3, and signed by the Mayor of Kona on December 5th that same year. In the public hearings on the bill that banned G.M.O.s, facts on the negative effects of them were backed up by raw data gathered through experiments. Councilman Greggor Ilagan stated the negative information is almost always what turns up whenever investigating G.M.O.s; you hardly ever hear anything positive about them. Councilman Ilagan was opposed to the bill.
Arguments made against the bill to ban G.M.O.s on the island included the statement that genetically modifying papayas saved the fruit from a disease they were facing; genetically modifying the fruits saved farmers a ton of their products. Others also disputed against the idea that genetically modified corn caused tumors in rats that consumed it. Biologists at the University of Hawaii urged supporters of the ban to consider the substantial benefits of G.M.O.s.
Councilman Ilagan urged those against the ban to consider the scientific evidence that has been gathered rather than “following the crowd” and believing that G.M.O.s are safe; the scientific evidence clearly shows that the belief of G.M.O.s being “good” is false; G.M.O.s are damaging to our health, and the planet. The planet is warming continuously, and the population is ever-growing; these factors make it hard to grow natural, safe food for us to consume. In using G.M.O.s, that contributes to the heating of the planet due to the farming methods hat are used. Rejecting the thought that climate change does exist helps the use of G.M.O.s to continue.
The ban of G.M.O.s in Kona, Hawaii, states that G.M.O.s will be banned in harvesting crops, minus the corn and papayas that are already growing there via the use of G.M.O.s. If it is to be found that G.M.O.s were/are being used, one can be subject to a $1,000 fine per day. Papaya farmers in Hawaii worry that even though they are exempt from the bill and can still use G.M.O.s, their products will be ostracized by society; this would make them harder to sell, resulting in them losing profit.
People as a whole have an easier time believing the popular opinion rather than science itself, and that is the issue that seems to be effecting the discussion on G.M.O.s. Science may be harder for one to understand, and it may be easier for some to simply believe the popular opinion. Others also do not want to come to terms with the fact that G.M.O.s are bad, and that we consume them almost daily.
The bill itself came to be through distrust of the companies that genetically modify seeds for crops; these companies were in support of state measure to ban local governments from regulating them; a prime example of this is the Monsanto company who genetically modify and produce seeds for crops. People have taken action in Hawaii against these companies to prevent the use of pesticides on the crops. Ms. Willie, chairwoman of the Council’s Agriculture Committee and the proposer of the bill, worries that these companies will take over the islands of Hawaii. She states that it is not the amount of food produced that we should worry about, but instead the quality of the food.
Professors at the University of Hawaii have proposed arguments against the bill; a Dean at the University’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources stated that genetically modifying food is not harmful in and of itself. Ms. Willie believes that statements from the University to be skewed, proposing that Monsanto contributes to the University a large amount. Monsanto gave a donation of $600,000.00 to the University’s Tropical Agriculture college for student scholarships.
Many states have proposed bills to require that foods be labeled if they have G.M.O.s in them; that is a big issue, because many of us do not know whether or not the foods we’re consuming have G.M.O.s in them. Whole Foods has proposed that in the coming years they will stray away from selling foods containing G.M.O.s, and will clearly label those that do have them. Trader Joes has signs in their stores that read “No G.M.O.s Sold Here.”
G.M.O.s have caused many farmers driven into debit/poverty in India to commit suicide. G.M.O.s have basically wiped out their farms, making it almost impossible for these farmers to grow their crops and generate a profit to provide for their families. Ms. Willie had implemented a committee that would study the ban of G.M.O.s in Kona, Hawaii; this committee would look into the impact the ban has had on the island, the citizens of the island, the economy; the committee did not have enough support, and, unfortunately, was declined.