The American Chemical Society defines biotechnology as the application of biological organisms, systems, or
processes by various industries to learning about the science of life and the improvement of the value of
materials and organisms such as pharmaceuticals, crops, and livestock.
Agricultural biotechnology is a collection of scientific techniques used to improve plants, animals and
microorganisms. Based on an understanding of DNA, scientists have developed solutions to increase
agricultural productivity.
What is FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY?
Applying technology to change genes to make new species and a more marketable product. It is a controvercial practice over the long
term effects on the environment or humans.
Law Dictionary: What is FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY? definition of FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY (Black's Law Dictionary)
Biotech Traits
Many people would like to know exactly which genetically engineered foods are in the food supply. In the United States, the following foods may be found in the
supermarket (as of January 2015). Note that refined oil and sugar do not contain DNA or protein, so even if the source plant was genetically engineered, these
products are indistinguishable non-genetically engineered products.
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Herbicide tolerant alfalfa is fed to some dairy cattle.
Herbicide tolerant canola is made into canola oil.
Herbicide tolerant and/or insect resistant field corn is made into corn oil, fed to livestock, and used in many processed foods.
Herbicide tolerant and/or insect resistant sweet corn is sold in small quantities.
Herbicide tolerant and/or insect resistant cotton is made into clothing or various other cotton products as well as cottonseed oil.
Virus resistant papaya is sold in Hawaii, with some of the fruits imported to mainland US.
Virus resistant crookneck squash is sold in small quantities.
Herbicide tolerant and/or insect resistant soybean is made into soybean oil and fed to livestock. A small amount of soybean has been engineered to have
more nutritious oil. Soybean for tofu and other products for direct human consumption is generally not genetically engineered.
Herbicide tolerant sugar beet is made into sugar and fed to livestock.
Bt
Bacillus thuringiensis
CBD
Convention on Biological Diversity
CPB Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
ERA
environmental risk assessment
EU
European Union
FAO
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
GEF
Global Environment Facility
GM
genetically modified
GMM
genetically modified microorganism
GMO
genetically modified organism
IPR
intellectual property right
MLS
multilateral system of facilitated access and benefit-sharing
NGO
nongovernmental organization
OECD
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
PVP
plant variety protection
R&D
research and development
SPS Agreement
Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
TRIPS
Agreement on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights
UNCED
United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
UNDP
United Nations Development Programme
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
WHO
World Health Organization
WTO
World Trade Organization
Websites that may help
Organicconsumers.org
Biofortified.org
Greenfacts.org
Monsanto.com
Pioneer HiBred International (owned by Dupont)
Syngenta Ag
Dow Agriscience
BASF
Bayer Cropscience
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE2OFfmrJRI
Genetic Modification of Food
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAOHDDaTd6E
Benefits of Food Biotechnology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8EDEimG-DY
Food Biotechnology: Get the Facts
On your paper:
List 10 new words you have heard or read and explain how the word is used.
Do you think that Genetically Modified Foods are harmful to eat or safe to eat – explain your answer?
Do you think it is safe to wear Genetically Modified Plants – explain your answer?
Ask ten people outside of class if they eat Genetically Modified Foods.
Answer for data collection, yes, no and I have no idea
Find one area of Biotechnology to share with the class, pick a side, or show both sides; pick a company or organization to highlight; or come up with a better idea
(just check with me first)
This paper is also on line. Good luck The project is due on March 19th and 20th.