Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Topic B: Genetically Modified Crops Chair: Ethan Ritz Moderator: Tom Hyman Vice Chairs: Grace Sunken, Emery Weinstein April 10 – 13, 2014

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Genetically Modified Crops Introduction: GM, or genetically modified crops, are organisms whose DNA has been genetically altered using recombinant DNA technology. Genes from other organisms can be introduced into the genome of another species to produce a final GM crop that expresses the selected traits. This technology has allowed for the manipulation of genes to create foods with desired qualities. The process has been applied to many crops in order to produce larger yields, repel insects, and even to increase nutritional value. In the international community, they are a source of debate. Many are concerned that there may be dangerous unknown effects of planting and consuming GM crops. For example, some are worried that the seeds of GM crops could spread into the wild, affecting native species and disrupting ecosystems. There is also concern that allergens will be passed genetically into crops that may harm consumers by causing them to react to species that had not previously induced allergic reactions. The issues of the use of GM crops often results in two main factions of debate. More developed countries tend to favor more strict regulation and restriction of GM crops, whereas less affluent countries are more willing to take on the potential risks of GM crops if there was a potential for them to increase crop production and help to reduce hunger. The issue is further complicated by private, transnational corporations in the agricultural sector that influence the production cost of GM crops. Delegates need to take all of these potentials concerns into account, and determine if GM crops can be incorporated into a strategy to combat world hunger.

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Background and Current Situation: Background The process of modifying an organism's genetic data has only been possible since the mid twentieth century, mainly due to the fact that DNA, the source of genetic material, was only recently discovered in 1935 by Andrei Nikolaevitch Belozersky. After this biological breakthrough, scientists rushed to understand how this molecule affected the structure of cells and organisms. It was not until 1973 when the first movement towards altering DNA was started. Researchers at Stanford University created the first recombinant DNA by piecing together different sequences of DNA in order to genetically engineer specific traits. Scientists were able to realize the potential for major breakthroughs in agriculture from these results. By genetically engineering plants and animals to be larger, healthier, and more resistant to pesticides, and desirable for consumers farmers would be able to increase yield while simultaneously increasing profits. The first genetically modified crops were not for consumption, however, but were rather cash crops such as tobacco. 1983 marked the production of the first transgenic plant, which consisted of an antibiotic resistant tobacco plant that allowed for heavier pesticide use on tobacco fields without an adverse effect on the plant. During this time, GM crops went largely unregulated by the international community, largely due to the fact that little was known about their differences from normal crops. Any specific labeling of a product as genetically modified was completely voluntary by companies producing them. By the end of the 1980s, the European Union had established the Biotechnology Steering Committee to handle the regulation of GM crops on a case-by-case basis. One of the largest breakthroughs in GM crop technology was the introduction of the "Roundup Ready" soybean, produced by Monsanto. These soybeans were immune to the effects of

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the popular pesticide, allowing farmers to indiscriminately spray their fields without worry of killing the crops. Introduced in 1996 in the United States, the effectiveness of the crop made it highly desired by farmers across the world and its usage quickly spread. By the end of 2010, nearly all US soybean fields were using some type of genetically modified plant. Bt-corn was introduced in Europe in the same year as the GM soybean, which, in a study two years after its introduction, was found to have an adverse effect on the larvae of monarch butterflies feeding off of the corn. This study sparked many consumer fears about the safety of the genetically modified foods, which were becoming commonplace in supermarkets worldwide. Shortly thereafter, in order to alleviate concerns, the EU adopted more strict labeling requirements of genetically modified products. The number of genetically modified crops has continued to rise throughout the beginning of the 21st century, expanding to both more countries and farming operations. As of 2010, an estimated 42% of arable land was occupied by GM crops, demonstrating the staggering impact their development has had on the agricultural industry. As new research and technology continue to change the way GM crops are used and perceived, international polices must adapt as well.

Current Situation Currently, 28 countries grow genetically modified organisms, and countless others import them. Nearly 150 million hectares have been planted with genetically modified crops. North and South Americamake up the largest portion of this, with the United States growing about 80 percent of their soybeans and 40 percent of their corn with genetically modified varieties. Most genetically modified crops go to feed livestock, but because high fructose corn syrup is so often a main ingredient, processed foods are especially likely to contain GM crops. Because of the recently steady

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rise in their usage, the debate about the benefit and safety of GM crops has become more prevalent than ever. Many concerns and possible risks exist with GM crops. These include the possibility of genes finding their way into unintended species in the natural environment (i.e. herbicide-resisting genes finding their way into weeds), as well as possible harmful effects to birds or insects that come in contact with GM crops. Because all food containing GM crops is not required to be labeled, there is concern that severe allergic reactions could occur when people consume a food product modified with a gene from a different, allergenic food. Lastly, small-scale farmers could be negatively impacted by the private sector monopoly of powerful seed companies. Scientific studies on the environmental and health impacts of GM crops are as of yet inconclusive. However, public opinion is generally negative and distrustful. There are others though, that argue that the benefits of GM crops outweigh their risks. By making crops resistant to pests, disease, or harsh weather, GM crops reduce the risk of large-scale crop failure. Many varieties of GM crops are more sustainable than their natural counterparts. Using genetically modified crops can decrease soil erosion, reduce chemical runoff from herbicides and pesticides, reduce farmers’ fuel usage, and greatly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Greater yields caused by GM crops have also decreased the need to clear more land for agriculture. Fruits and vegetables modified to have longer shelf lives have decreased gross food waste. There are also countless arguments for human health, including the removal of genes associated with allergies, the removal of trans fat or caffeine to create healthier foods, and the insertion of genes to increase nutritional value. As of 2012, 162 countries as well as the European Union have ratified the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity. This protocol provides a

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regulatory framework for international trade and transport of GM crops and is designed to protect biological diversity. As of yet, most GM crop exporting countries have not signed the protocol. Currently, the most contentious issue when it comes to GM crop regulations is mandatory GM croplabeling. GM crop labeling policies widely differ from country to country. Many countries have begun to enact mandatory labeling regulations. The acceptable GM crop content level for foods labeled GM crop-free varies significantly. Other countries have voluntary labeling. Voluntary labeling, however, can lead to products with GM crop-free labels still containing a relatively high GM crop content. The wide disparity of GM crop regulations makes trade and transport of genetically modified materials difficult and inefficient.

Bloc Positions Europe European countries are likely to be the most resistant to the introduction of GM crops. Regulation (EC) No 1830/2003 and amendments found in Regulation (EC) No 1137/2008 enacted the labeling of GM foods in the EU. This labeling has lead to a backlash on GM foods among many European consumers. In addition, the growth of GM crops in Europe is very limited. EU policies such as Recommendation 2010/C 200/01 have greatly restricted the use of GM crops. This Recommendation allows member states to regulate separation between where GM and non-GM crops are grown. This has lead to a de facto moratorium on major GM crops due to the limited area in which they may be grown (Masip et al. 312).

USA, Brazil, Argentina, Canada and India

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These countries are some of the highest cultivators of GM crops, comprising a total of 152.4 million hectares of GM crops in 2012 (ISAA). These countries have made extensive use of GM crops, and likely would be in favor of seeing them used elsewhere. However, they have not been free of criticism. The US company Monsanto is leading producer of genetically engineered seeds and has been criticized for attempting to monopolize the market.

Africa Some countries in Africa have started to use GM crops, but widespread use has not yet occurred. Burkina Faso, Egypt and South Africa are the only countries to have approved commercial release of a GM crop. While other countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have conduced confined field trials (Falck-Zeped and Zambrano 172). The hesitant approach of many of these African nations can be attributed to a fear of European countries rejecting GM exports (Wafula and Gruere 143). However, many African nations also deal with widespread hunger and malnutrition, which could be helped by the use of GM crops. Many African nations struggle with whether the potential benefits of GM crops for their citizens is worth the economic issues which could potentially arise.

Questions to Consider: 1. Are GM crops been used in your country, and if so what effects has it caused? 2. What are the potential economic impacts of expanding the use of GM crops? 3. Can the use of GM crops be incorporated with other strategies to combat world hunger? 4. What are the potential long term effects of using GM crops? 5. How do corporate patents effect the availability of potentially helpful technology?

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6. Are there any issues with current regulation of GM crops?

Recommended Sources: http://gmoinside.org/gmo-timeline-a-history-genetically-modified-foods/ - History of GM crops http://www.gmo-compass.org/ - Current articles about GM crops http://www.aatf-africa.org/ - A NGO working to bring GM crops and other technologies to Africa http://gmoanswers.com/ - Basic background information http://www.isaaa.org/default.asp - Organization working to bring GM crops to developing nations

Bibliography: Falck-Zepeda, Jose, and Patricia Zambrano. "Estimates and Implications of the Costs of Compliance with Biosafety Regulations for African Agriculture." Genetically Modified Crops in Africa. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute, 2013. 159-82. Web. . Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2012. Rep. ISAAA, Web. . Lynch, Diahanna, and David Vogel. "The Regulation of GMOs in Europe and the United States: A Case-Study of Contemporary European Regulatory Politics." CFR.org. Council on Foreign Relations, 5 Apr. 2001. Web. . Masip, Gemma. "Paradoxical EU Agricultural Policies on Genetically Engineered Crops." Trends in Plant Science 18.6 (2013): 312-24. Web.

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Phillips, Theresa. "Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Transgenic Crops and Recombinant DNA Technology." Nature Education 1.1 (2008): Web. . Wafula, David, and Guillaume Gruere. "Genetically Modified Organisms, Exports, and Regional Integration in Africa." Genetically Modified Crops in Africa. Washington, DC: International Food Policy Research Institute, 2013. 143-58. Web. .

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