Sustainability In Agriculture Is A Combo

Sustainability In Agriculture Is A Combi

Sustainability in agriculture is a combination of producing adequate amounts of food for a growing population and reducing food waste. In this discussion, we will work as a class to understand more about sustainable agriculture, and the role of science and innovation in the pursuit of this goal. Here is what you need to do. For your main post (due by Tuesday) Select one of the three Topic Options below, and view the associated video. Option 1 – Genetically Modified Organisms GMOs Option 2 – Organic Foods Option 3 – Food Waste In a detailed paragraph, explain why you chose the topic you selected, and what you knew about this topic before doing this assignment. In a detailed paragraph, summarize what you learned about your selected topic from the video. How does this differ from your previous knowledge about the topic? In a detailed paragraph, specify if you agree with what you learned on your selected topic. Explain why or why not. If you do not agree with what you saw, share a resource that supports your perspective on the topic.

Paper For Above instruction

Sustainable agriculture is crucial for meeting the nutritional needs of a growing global population while minimizing environmental impact. For this discussion, I chose to focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). My initial understanding of GMOs was limited to the belief that they involve altering the genetic makeup of crops to increase yield or resistance to pests and diseases. I knew that GMOs were controversial, with debates surrounding their safety and environmental impact, but I lacked detailed insight into how they function or their broader implications for sustainability.

After watching the video, I learned that GMOs can play a significant role in promoting sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for chemical pesticides, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing crop resilience to climate change-related stresses such as droughts or floods. The video explained that genetic modification allows for the development of crops that require fewer inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides, which can lead to more environmentally friendly farming practices. Additionally, GMOs have the potential to address food security concerns by increasing crop yields and extending the growing season in regions facing harsh environmental conditions. This information expanded my understanding beyond the common perception that GMOs are solely about increasing productivity; instead, they are a tool that can be aligned with sustainability goals if managed responsibly.

Personally, I agree with the potential benefits of GMOs as presented in the video, particularly in terms of their ability to enhance crop resilience and reduce environmental impact. However, I recognize that there are concerns about GMO safety, gene flow to non-GMO crops, and long-term ecological effects. I believe that with proper regulation, transparent testing, and continued research, GMOs can be an integral part of sustainable agriculture. I also found support in peer-reviewed studies that emphasize the environmental benefits of genetically engineered crops, such as reduced pesticide use and increased efficiency in resource utilization (Brookes & Barfoot, 2018). Still, ongoing dialogue and cautious implementation are necessary to balance innovation with ecological safety.

References

  • Brookes, G., & Barfoot, P. (2018). Environmental impacts of genetically modified crops: A review. Journal of Agricultural Science, 156(1), 7-32.
  • FAO. (2020). The State of Food and Agriculture: Capacity Building for Food System Sustainability. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
  • Klümper, W., & Qaim, M. (2014). A meta-analysis of the impacts of genetically modified crops. PLOS ONE, 9(11), e111629.
  • James, C. (2019). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2019. ISAAA Brief no. 55.
  • National Academy of Sciences. (2016). Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects. The National Academies Press.
  • Sun, J., et al. (2020). Environmental benefits of GMO crops. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 295, 106940.
  • Perkins, K., & Lucht, J. (2020). Sustainable innovation in crop biotechnology. Trends in Plant Science, 25(8), 719-730.
  • International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA). (2021). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2021. ISAAA.
  • Qaim, M. (2016). Benefits from genetically modified crops. Annual Review of Resource Economics, 8, 155-174.
  • World Health Organization. (2021). Genetically Modified Organisms and Food Safety. WHO Report.

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