Resolved: On balance, the benefits of genetically modified foods outweigh the harms.
My partner and I stand in firm affirmation of the resolution. The benefits of genetically modified foods greatly outweigh the harms. Genetically modified foods benefit the entire world by feeding the hungry, decreasing use of harmful substances such as pesticides,and herbicides,and by enabling humanity to maintain population growth without destroying natural resources, they also allow children to receive proper vitamins and vaccines.
My Partner and I would like to offer the following definitions from the World Health Organization and Black's Law Dictionary.
Genetically Modified Food - foods derived from organisms whose genetic material has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally
Harm - to damage, injure or hurt.
My partner and I would like to offer the following contentions.
C I.
Genetically Modified Foods benefit the hungry. Genetically modified introduce the ability to feed the 870 million undernourished people in the world. 5 million children die a year due to malnutrition and the few children that survive malnutrition suffer up to 160 days a year of illness. Genetically modified foods that are disease resistant, drought resistant and produce their own pesticides allow farmers the ability to produce higher yields. Genetically modified foods allow the hungry to be fed through higher production rates that lower overall cost of food.
C II.
Genetically Modified Foods benefit the economy. Genetically modified foods compose 70% of processed foods at market. Genetically modified foods introduce a profit due to the lowered costs to produce higher yields. The growing demand for food and the pressure of an ever increasing population drive up prices however with Genetically Modified Foods, food that is produced takes less work and due to their higher resistance to disease and drought, along with their ability to produce their own pesticide. Farmers are able to yield more crops and spend less to do so. The 16 million undernourished people living in Developed countries might appreciate the extra revenue boost in their economy which will allow them to buy food further improve the economy and allow them not to starve.
