Evaluating the Use of Genetically Modified Crops in the North Country

The issue of whether or not it is acceptable to alter the genetic material of an organism is largely dependent on one’s values. Nonetheless, with values aside, during the process of bioengineering genetic alteration is precisely what happens. Even the name “bioengineering ” combines two words that are almost contradictory. “Bio refers to life, what is not mechanistically predictable or controllable- and engineering refers to making the blueprints for machines that are predictable- but not alive ” (Batalion 2000). The decisions that we are going to have to make in the near future concerning genetic modification could have huge effects on the way we live and on genetic diversity around the globe. Decisions concerning monitoring practices, government involvement in genetically modified (GM) crop regulation, issues with patenting nature and farmer’s livelihoods could have effects on human health, what is socially acceptable and how we value natural systems. Genetic engineering has made a rapid entrance onto the agricultural scene in recent years. The first GM crop that was available commercially was released in 1996. The first GM crop released was round-up ready soybeans and now there are over 4