An agricultural scientist recently told The Times that the organic food movement should change its hostility towards genetically modified crops and acknowledge its contribution to sustainable agriculture.
Professor Gordon Conway of Imperial College, University of London, believes that although farmers growing organic crops are the most stubborn opponents of genetic engineering, genetically modified crops should be considered legitimate. Conway said that it is forbidden for organic farmers to use genetically modified crops, not only because they are too rigid to refuse to use synthetic methods, but also because of misunderstanding that natural methods are safer and more environmentally friendly than manual methods.
Farmers should use organic methods and genetically modified technologies in an integrated manner to avoid weaknesses, maximize output, and reduce damage to the ecosystem. Conway acknowledged that supporters of the organic movement would not accept this view, but he believes that genetic engineering can create better organic crops and gain more environmental benefits than crops grown today.
Conway, who served as the chief scientific advisor to the Department for International Development in the United Kingdom, said: "The combination of genetic technology and organic methods is possible. This may be heresy, but if we accept this concept, we Will gain real benefits."
In 2050, the global population will reach 9 billion. To ensure food safety and reduce environmental damage, scientists are gradually increasing pressure to increase the use of genetically modified crops. John Beddington, the chief scientific adviser of the British government, also stated that the world cannot ignore the potential of genetic engineering in improving agriculture.
However, GM technology has been opposed by lobby groups such as the Soil Association, who believe GM crops are not only unnatural but also risky.
Conway said that the excessive use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides has caused environmental damage. Traditional agriculture needs to learn a lot from organic agriculture. The GM crops are consistent with the goals of the organic movement, both aimed at the development of sustainable agriculture; the organic movement believes that the natural method is the best, and genetic engineering does not agree with this misleading view. Conway said: “Many people in the world think that nature is always benign and artificial is not benign. This is simply nonsense. In fact, nature is also full of toxic substances. People insist on rigid rules and they are also misunderstood. Strengthened."
The process of creating GM crops is naturally unnatural, but the current method of breeding non-transgenic crops is not natural. The genes processed by both methods originate from nature, but genetic engineering can create crops with significant advantages.
Conway believes that rigid organic certification regulations block the use of technology and undermine the sustainable development of agriculture. For example, herbicide-tolerant GM crops can promote “no-till†agricultural development and reduce carbon emissions. He said: "We can create better organic crops through genetic engineering. At present, I don't think many people will agree with this, but everyone will eventually accept it."
Farmers should choose the most sustainable technology regardless of their source. Conway believes: "If we want to achieve a sustainable world, we should adopt appropriate technologies and we must not lag behind the preconceptions of rigid concepts. We will usher in a mixed world in which we choose a technology. Just because it is appropriate, regardless of its source, I think the world in 2050 will be like this: It will not be completely filled with high technology, but it cannot be a world that is completely back to nature."
Mini Dry Claw vacuum pump,Lab Vacuum Pump,Claw Vacuum Pump,Screw Vacuum Pump
Shandong Newels International Co., Ltd , https://www.newelsindustrial.com