Critical Thinking about Biotechnology:
Genetically Modified Crops

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You can evaluate the actions that would result from your decision by researching what other countries are doing with GM crops like canola.

The Codex Alimentarius Commission of the United Nations has information about how different countries are trying to make decisions about GM food products. Issues like labelling, safety and regulation are discussed at: http://www.fao.org/ click on Agriculture tab and look for Biotechnology under the “Subject” heading.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is made up of 29 countries, including Canada that share the principles of the market economy and respect for human rights. The OECD has fact sheets that look at the economic impact of biotechnology at: www.oecd.org/subject/biotech/

Decisions that we make in Canada can affect countries around the world in ways that may not seem obvious. For example, Third World countries that do not have the safe, nutritious and abundant food supply that Canadians enjoy are trying to decide if they should invest in new technologies, including biotechnology. To learn more about the perspective of countries without the luxury of deciding between types of crops to grow, follow the links at: www.fao.org/WAICENT/FAOINFO/AGRICULT/guides/subject/b.htm

Conclusion Activity:

Use your imagination and think of a plant that could be developed using biotechnology. Discuss with your classmates and teacher the potential benefits of this plant to consumers and society. For example, some GM crops could be enhanced through improved nutritional qualities like vitamins, decreased saturated fat content and vaccines. Discuss this topic with your teacher and classmates or write a report.