An Analysis of the Con Case of the Benefits of Genetically Modified Foods Outweigh the Harms Essay

Con CaseIntroductionWe must take the con side of the resolution Resolved On balance, the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the harms. You must evaluate todays debate with a cost benefit analysis, and vote con if the harms outweigh the benefits.Contention 1 Superweeds and SuperbugsThe use of genetically modified foods spawns herbicide resistant superweeds and superbugs. Firstly, according to Carry Gillham, staff writer for Reuters, the Monsanto Company is making genetically modified corn, soybeans, and cotton that they call Roundup Ready. These crops are genetically modified to be resistant to herbicides, including the most popular one, Roundup. When spraying these GMOs with Roundup, weeds around them have actually built up resistance to Roundup and other herbicides. Without herbicides to stop these superweeds, experts have estimated that they have infected 11 million acres of land. In fact, these weeds are able to grow several inches a day. Secondly, according to Tom Philpott, cofounder of Maverick Farms, the Monsanto company has also created herbicide resistant insects. Evidence of these superbugs occurred in four Iowa State farms growing genetically modified Bt corn, when Bt resistant rootworms were spotted. Additionally, Monsanto itself, acknowledged that this outbreak, this time with bollworms, has also happened in India, where genetically modified Bt cotton is the major crop. Contention 2 European and Asian MarketsEuropean and Asian markets will not import genetically modified foods from the United States. According to Anna Edwards, staff writer for the UKs Daily Mail Online, unapproved genetically modified wheat has been growing in Oregon. It was discovered when farmers sprayed their crops with the herbicide, glyphosate, and the wheat didnt die. Because of this, the EU is preparing to test incoming shipments of all crops from the U.S. and will not import wheat. The article also mentions that Japan has canceled an offer to buy wheat from the U.S. The impact is that the U.S. will lose the majority of its international crop market. According to Geoffrey Benson, an...

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