Case:
Genetically Modified Food—Science and Business

Some scientists, agribusinesspeople, and policy makers are looking to genetic modifications as a way to produce hardier, more nutritious, and more abundant crops. Ever since scientists discovered that they could splice the gene for traits such as the cold tolerance of a mackerel into the genetic code of crops such as tomatoes, controversy has raged over the advisability of such genetic manipulations. It can be admitted that not all who are involved in these genetic manipulations have the same goals or motivations. Responsible agribusiness has tended to focus on complying with U.S. regulatory structures and producing crops that are safe for individual consumers. In this regard, many argue that companies should be required to label genetically modified foods so that consumers can make informed choices. However, beyond this issue, two other sets of ethical concerns remain: 1) Biological changes are replicable and could spread from modified crops to natural strains with unpredictable consequences. 2) Current genetic modifications are largely driven by business considerations, which do not necessarily address the nutritional needs of consumers, particularly the poor.

1. Is there a significant moral difference between the age-old methods of crossbreeding and the new technologies of genetic manipulations?
2. Genetically Modified Organisms are a potential source of more nutritious foods, such as Vitamin-A rich rice. However, such crops are not necessarily profitable for business to develop. Who or what should drive the development of GMO’s as a solution to world nutritional needs?
3. If agribusinesses develop genetically modified foods, who should be responsible for protecting neighboring pure or organic crops from wind- or insect-borne pollinations from the GMO’s?
4. How do we regulate a technology with global implications that is being developed and implemented at national or local levels?
5. Once new genetic strains have been introduced, should they be allowed to reproduce? If not, what will be the impact on farmers who cannot then hold seeds over for planting the next year?

(from The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University)

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