A genetically modified (GM) or transgenic crop is a plant whose DNA has been altered or modified using genetic engineering with the goal of introducing a desired trait into the plant that does not exist naturally in plant species. The characteristics of a living organism are determined by its genetic composition. Genetically modified crops have sections of DNA that code for a specific trait, such as resistance to certain diseases, inserted into their genomes. This means that the seeds produced by these genetically modified plants will inherit this new characteristic. This has proven to be extremely beneficial and many countries have been quick to adopt this new practice, however some are still against the idea of ​​introducing GM foods. This topic has been the subject of vandalism, protests, and much scientific controversy. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on the topic "Why violent video games should not be banned"? Get an original essay In 2015[1], GM crops were grown in 28 countries and on 179.7 million hectares, more than 10% of the world's arable land area! This is a huge step forward from the first 1.7 million hectares planted in 1996[2], when the first biotech crop was commercialized. The main producers[3] of these transgenic crops are the United States of America, Brazil and Argentina. Genetically modified crops bring many benefits. Clive James[4], of Cornell University, writes a compelling article on the impact of adopting the genetically modified lifestyle and also on its future. While it presents a strong argument full of evidence and logical reasoning, it fails to mention the negative effects these crops can have on consumers and the surrounding environment. It is also important to keep in mind that his paper was published in 2010, almost 8 years ago, and there have been many new discoveries since then. In his article, James talks about the environmental, economic and welfare benefits that genetically modified crops continue to provide, even in countries like Africa “where the challenges are greatest”. While implementation would be difficult in this case, it is the continent that needs it most[5]: one in four people in sub-Saharan Africa is affected by malnutrition and hunger, and nutrient-rich biotech crops can do much to alleviate poverty and poverty. hunger. An example of this is how a drought-tolerant maize called “Bazooka” worked wonders for a Ugandan farmer Josephine Nansamba[6] who was offered the seedlings as part of a pilot test. His yields have tripled and his income has increased to $180 per hectare. “It's the corn that brings us the money,” says her husband. "The coffee has dried up." This heartwarming example of how transgenic crops saved a family of ten demonstrates indisputably how the adoption of these GM crops is increasing and the quality of life of these families is also improving. James goes on to talk about how biotech crops can reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. This, in turn, leads to climate change mitigation by dramatically reducing the percentage of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The proof of this is shown by the numbers: in 2009[7], biotechnological crops saved 17.7 billion kg of carbon dioxide. To put that into perspective, that equates to 7.8 million fewer cars on the roads. This drastic change has a huge positive impact on our planet, ensuring a suitable place to live for many future generations. Environmental benefits aren't the only thing biotech crops promise. There are manyeconomic benefits associated with the production of these crops, especially for the farmers who grow them. American farmers[8] benefited the most from these higher incomes, earning over $53.2 billion in extra income from 1996 to 2012. This is easily explained by the fact that American farmers were the first to make widespread use of this GM cultivation technology. What is surprising (but reassuring), however, is that these economic gains have been split more or less equally between farmers in developed and developing countries. This indicates that GM technology may be the key for developing countries to accelerate the pace at which they grow and develop, allowing them to keep pace with countries in better economic situations, rather than falling behind in an unfair race . While all these benefits sound pretty compelling, just like most things in life, there is always another side to the story. Over 35 countries, including many European countries and Russia, have banned or imposed severe restrictions on the production and consumption of these genetically modified foods. The two main reasons for these restrictions are health and environmental concerns, while some countries simply want to do more thorough research until they are sure that these genetically modified crops are completely safe to consume. In 1998, Steven M. Druker, a public interest lawyer and executive director of the Alliance for Bio-Integrity, filed a lawsuit that forced the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to release all its files on genetically modified foods . In 2015, he went on to publish a book about the lawsuit and expose existing flaws in FDA policies and the potential dangers of genetically engineered foods titled "Altered Genes, Twisted Truth: How the Enterprise of Genetically Engineering Our Food Has Subverted Science, Government corrupted and systematically misled the public.” His book claims that the FDA lied about the facts, hid its scientists' warnings about the risks, and placed these foods on the market, violating federal law studies from other countries that go against the conclusions of the FDA and WHO (World Health Organization). The results of a study[9] published in “Environmental Sciences Europe” have raised many questions about the negative effects of long-term consumption of genetically modified foods. study found severe kidney and liver damage, hormonal disorders and even large cancerous tumors in rats fed GM corn. Another study[10] associated genetically modified foods with severe stomach inflammation and uterine enlargement in pigs. If the findings of these studies do not justify banning genetically modified foods until further research is conducted, they should at least urge countries to reevaluate their position on the issue for their own safety and that of their people. Irina Ermakova[11], vice-president of the Russian National Association for Genetic Safety, believes that “it is necessary to ban GMOs, impose a moratorium for 10 years. While GMOs will be banned, we can plan experiments, tests or perhaps even develop new research methods.” He went on to say that “all GMOs are dangerous.” And “it should be stopped.” GM crops are sprayed with a variety of pesticides and toxic chemicals. The Pesticide Action Network North America[12] (PANNA) believes that childhood diseases such as cancer, autism, birth defects and asthma are all on the rise due to this excessive use of pesticides. 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