Last semester in Biology 101 I learned that technology has enabled man kind to accomplish many goals and discover numerous things, especially when it comes to exploring the human body and food. As technology has advanced so has GMOs, genetically modified organisms, which are organisms that are modified using genetic engineering techniques. Specifically, BT corn was genetically engineered to produce its own pesticides to keep away the organisms that destroy it. The Omnivore’s Dilemma written by Michael Pollan, presents two farmers in Greene County, Iowa who are faced with the controversy of growing corn and whether or not to plant BT corn. In Pullman, Washington I am faced with the terrifying question of, why grow corn in the first place?
Corn has this bizarre supply and demand concept. Farmers have been facing lower prices and the only way for them to support their families is to produce more corn. However, the more corn each farmer produces, the less it is worth, and then consequently the farmers are being extremely underpaid for their crop. For this reason, farmers become desperate to maximize their crop turn to BT corn and brutally degrading their land. One of the Iowa farmers, George Naylor, doesn’t plant BT corn due to his lack of trust of the technology, “Sure, you might get a yield bump, but whatever you make on the extra corn goes right back to cover the premium for the seed.” (Pollan, 36) Sounds to me like these farmers are being used by technology and its controllers, a very bright red flag symbolizing reason to find a new job! On the other hand, Billy, George’s neighbor plants BT corn and claims it is the greatest. What he doesn’t share is that he is in tremendous debt. While Billy is ripped off and brainwashed into thinking that BT corn is all that, George is producing more corn for less per acre.
I find that there is a very simple solution to the farmers’ dilemma… get a new job! I get it, farming has been in your family since they came to America, but save your worries and ditch the corn. You’ve been farming long enough to hopefully realize that the government is using you while stripping away what they are truly in debt to you. Any person has to potential to accomplish anything they put their mind to, and there are other jobs that will support your family, so get out there!
References
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma. Penguin Books, 2007. Page 36.
No comments:
Post a Comment