Dialogue: Successful DRAFT

Professor: Justin Rogers-Cooper

ENG 220

Dialogue of Ideas – Genetically Modified Foods Dilemma (GMO)

4 April 2014

GMOs, or “genetically modified organisms,” are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with DNA from bacteria, viruses or other plants and animals. These experimental combinations of genes from different species cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. (Non GMO Project)

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Organic Consumer: Genetically Modified Foods are very dangerous for your health and could potentially lead to life threatening diseases.

GMO Farmer: And are you going to feed the nation with primarily organic foods?

Organic Consumer: Obviously not. How is that even possible when GMOs are in 80% of conventional process foods? Not to mention there are traces in the majority of the ‘fresh’ produce(s) you deliver to local markets and supermarkets.

GMO Farmer: Yeah, that’s true and it has already been brought to my attention on several occasions. I’ve encountered several people like you who come into my market rambling on about, GMO this GMO that…let’s go organic! You are killing the public! I’ve heard it all really.

Organic Consumer: Well sir, I’m someone who is quite passionate about this issue and is willing to go to great extents to better improve my community’s nutritional intake, as well as the environment we live in. Is that wrong?

  GMO Farmer: No, it’s not. I like your enthusiasm. But there are always different sides to a story and reiterating the views of your peers who are organic consumers will not change my mind or what I do. I do my job with no intention of harming anyone.

Organic Consumer: I acknowledge that. But what if I tell you I COULD change your mind?

GMO Farmer: I’ll say to you what I said to the last organic consumer who came in loud and proud voicing his displeasures,…The organic market is down the block, last building with the big old “100% Clean Foods” sign. This isn’t the market for you.

Organic Consumer: Actually, I’m not out shopping today. And it’s not about which market is for me or not. I chose to eat an organic-based diet as a lifestyle choice with a conscious awareness to my health. I came into your market because I know you are a major supplier for other vegetable markets and supermarkets in the community. I’m just here to speak with you regarding the GMO issue.

GMO Farmer: (Signs) Okay…speak away then…while I un-box these lovely sweet corn(s)!

Organic Consumer: Are those genetically modified as well?

GMO Farmer: Of course they are! Nearly all the products in this market have GMOs tracing! This isn’t an organic market! I told you, down the block, last building with the big old “100% Clean Foods” sign...

Organic Consumer: I should have known. GMOs are in 86% of corn production in this country. And I’m guessing those sugar beets sitting next to the corn are as well. GMOs are in a staggering 95% production in those.

GMO Farmer: What do you want me to say man? I can’t change those facts and figures.

Organic Consumer: I’m not saying you can, it’s impossible for just person to. But large farmers like you who supply to other markets and supermarkets can help raise awareness. It’s gotta start somewhere.

GMO Farmer: What are your major concerns regards this whole GMO dilemma?   

Organic Consumer: The detrimental health effects it has on humans and animals. The toxicity levels in the environment …man so many health concerns are arising throughout the country because of its ever increasing consumption, this to go along with its growing agricultural production. I’m talking life threatening health hazards: allergens exposure, antibiotic resistance, weakened immune systems, and reproductive disorders just to name a few.

 GMO Farmer: Well that’s an unfortunate reality. Again, I’m just a farmer who’s trying to supply my community with fresh produce(s) daily. You are speaking a language that I’m unfamiliar with, I’m no dietitian. All I know is that, customers are reliant on my foods as an essential need to being nutritionally fed. 

Organic Consumer: “Nutritionally fed?” Did you hear: potential life threatening hazards?! It’s very dangerous! The nutritional value is not what you may think exists in your produce(s). Those same sweet corn(s) you unboxed may have been crossbreed with some other allergenic food… someone then buys and becomes severely ill. We gotta do something about it.

GMO Farmer: Calm down buddy…calm down, it’s much easier said than done. Our products have been doing more good than harm in the community. The organic farmers will highlight that there is no competition when it comes to whose products are more widely consumed. Again, not everyone will be able to afford an organic based diet. Our produce(s) are far cheaper, picked in large quantities, and is available year-round.

Organic Consumer: Of course your produce(s) are consumed across a large population in the community; it totally outnumbers the organic foods production. And yes, it does have its pros like you mentioned, but the cons are severely dangerous.

GMO Farmer: (Signs) Alright, alright, alright… Tell me something ‘realistic’ that I can do in order to help resolve this issue, because I honestly want to help.  

Organic Consumer: Well, as much as I am an advocate for eliminating GM food production completely, I understand it’s a complex issue that will take time to resolve. However, farmers like yourself can go about stating whether or not your produce(s) are genetically modified. It’s the only way I see the issue being brought to light on a commercial level. The curiosity levels of customers will rise, as they understand what exactly they’re consuming with GM foods.

GMO Farmer: And how am I supposed to do that?

Organic Consumer: Well, since there are 60 other countries in the world that have legal requirements regarding GM food-labeling, and we (United States) do not, I guess being open to stating the facts is the way to go. Since there are no labels, you can issue an honest statement about GMOs and attach it to the doors and windows of your market. You can also ask the other markets and supermarkets you supply to, to do the same…if I don’t beat you to them myself.

GMO Farmer: But won’t that negatively affect my business?

Organic Consumer: Of course it would. But hey, it’s a risk worth taking if you really care about the community and environment. In order for the message to circulate, we need farmers like you making bold statements. 

GMO Farmer: Ok. I’m down for having flyers all over my market stating what GMOs are. That doesn’t seem too difficult. You know what…it’s like when you buy a pack of cigarettes and seeing on the front, “Smoking is bad for your health”. Funny that isn’t?

Organic Consumer: (Laughs) that’s the spirit! I assure you what you are doing is good for the community and environment. If the message continues to spread…who knows man it could be the catalyst for bigger and better things. I’ll keep in touch. Take care.

GMO Farmer: Take it easy man. I appreciate you stopping by…door’s always open.