Modern Biotechnology and Its Role, Research Paper Example

Despite the word, biotechnology is not just one type of technology. Instead, it is a collection of technologies that share 2 common qualities, which include using living cells and their molecules in a way that can improve human life in and do so in a many ways. Biotechnology can be described loosely as using organisms or their components and produts for commercial purposes. We have been using biotechnology for many years in such things as baking bread, brewing beer, and breeding crops  and animals for food. Recent discoveries in molecular biology have led to changes in the biotechnology industry which can greatly effect our world economy and communities. Some of the ways biotechnology will change our economies will be better nutrition and faster crop turnover, as the world’s population continues to grow.

The population of the world is said to reach around 8.7 billion people by the year 2050 (Keener). Although the population of the planet is growing, the surface area is not increasing, and most of the world’s best farming land is already being used. Biotechnology is attempting to increase the yields of crops, so we may feed more people with less land, and not have to cut into and clear additional land, such as rain forests and other environmentally sensitive areas.

Also, countries like Asia and Africa are using biotechnology to deal with the issues of growing populations. Biotechnology is the science behind crops producing more yield than ever before. Using the things that we have learned in the recent decades, it is possible for farmers to have more profitable harvests.

Countries that are dealing with malnutrition are benefitting from the use of biotechnology as well. For example, the Rockefeller Foundation is funding the research on “golden rice” (Keener) . This is a crop that is being developed to improve that nutrition of people in developing countries. Vitamin A is being introduced to the rice crops using biotechnology, because many of the people in these countries have a deficiency. Though only in the first phase, the second phase of the development will consist of introducing iron as well. This will fight anemia, which is another problem that exists in women and children throughout poorer countries. Golden rice is set to be commercialized in less than 5 years from now, and it is expected to change the health of millions of people, at a very low additional cost than what is currently available to consumers (Keener).

It is clear that food production needs to become more efficient and profitable in regards to international economis success. International organizations and national governments praise food biotechnology as a way to avoid world-wide food shortages in the future. New policies are in the works that will regulate the food biotechnology industry in order to protect public health and safety, promote international trade, save natural resources and account for ethical issues.

The larger percentage of food that is processed now contains corn or soy ingredients that are derived from genetically-modified plants. There has been no pose of safety risks attributed to these food products. The main concerns are the potential to change the contents of the nutrients and introduce new allergens to society.

The federal entities who are involved in the regulation of biotechnology include the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It is one of their duties to evaluate the processes of production for all foods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), evaluate whole non-animal foods, like seafood, and the ingredients and additives of food. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), evaluates plants and crops with insecticidal properties.

Those who are developing genetically-modified plants and biotech-derived foods are mandated to consult with the FDA before an attempt to commercialize and product is made. The consulation process involves a science-based assessment that determines the safety of the product in regards to the consumer and the environment. Developers have the major motivation to get their products FDA-approved before marketing new products.

Even with the regulations and policies, there are some who are not ready to let the idea of biotechnology settle or marvel in the ways that it can improve our lives. Solid opinions can be made on this issue in either direction, and over the next decades, developments will have a huge influence on people. The future of the food supply rests with biotechnology and we will be able to see how it will change many people’s lives, especially in developing countries. Major intiatives have been made to add strength to the regulatory process and open the lines of communication with consumers. Even the FDA and the USDA have their regulatory systems open to outside review and comment. Besides this, educational programs are in place that should further build the confidence of consumers. This is important because the future of the world’s food supply rests on how well the industry communicates with the people who will buy the product and how well they are educated on the benefits and safety of biotechnology.

Biotechnology can be applied to many aspects of our life and the advantages are so amazing that the technology is being used many in virtually all industries. Developments that are currently underway are very diverse and will have applications in area from household products to forensics. Biotechnology has made developing new and improved products attainable with greater efficiency and flexibility than we have seen in the past. The future looks right, although certain risks are associated with the field, just as any other. Regulation is to be continued so that the maximum benefits are received by the consumers, while exposing them to the least risk.

Works Cited

Gordon, Randall C. “Approach to Biotechnology Must Be Science-based.(Brief Article).” Feedstuffs 29 Nov. 1999. Print.

Hoban TJ, Kendall PA. Consumer Attitudes about Food Biotechnology. Project Report 1993, Raleigh, NC: North Carolina State University and Colorado State University; 1993:1-36.

Keener, Kevin, Thomas Hoban, and Rekha Balasubramanian. “Biotechnology and Its Applications.” North Carolina State University. North Carolina State University. Web. 19   Dec. 2015.

North Caroline Biotechnology Center. “Biotech Basics.” Biotech Basics. North Caroline Biotechnology Center. Web. 19 Dec. 2015.