W8 Blog

     The article composed by Federoff entitled "Genetically Engineered Food for All" stands in a position that is almost a polar opposite from the book and movie by Pollan. 

     Federoff stresses that a steadily growing population calls for less regulations on genetically modified plants. He says that genetically modified plants is used by farmers world wide and that genetically modified plants help to reduce the amounts of many harmful substances like pesticides and even reduce soil erosion. 

     While some of these points are very true, one must remember that these are very wide statements. His article lacks a more in depth inspection of genetically modified plants. Pollan brings us that earth-shattering scrutiny that we need. 

     In the movie by Pollan called Food inc, he shows what companies do to local farmers who try to resist growing genetically modified crops. These massive companies threaten the farmers with massive lawsuits and strategies of cold intimidation. The movie features a regular farmer's experiences with the big-company intimidation. He said people in suits pulled into his driveway and gave very grim threats. Threats that might come true if he didn't get with the program. 

     These huge companies also work to eradicate any other seed but theirs. One section of the movie tells how there was initially many seed sifters owned by local farmers. Thanks to the big companies' stranglehold on crop choices, these seed sifters have been reduced to a very measly amount of around 5. One farmer even says that he is not sure if there is any machines left other than his. And of coarse, he is also visited by the men and suits and faced with a massive legal shotgun. 

     Federoff is calling for these big-name companies to have even more freedom so they can accomplish their goals. Pollan informs the reader/ viewer that these goals are not all for the benefit of mankind. These companies are in the business of making money. And they will do what it takes to make even more money. Ethics plays little importance to them. 

     Another point of disagreement is about the evolution of crops. Federoff insists that crops are much safer now and better all around. Pollan asserts in his book that crops now are nothing like their original counterparts and that nature is no longer allowed to evolve plants on her own. Pollan also tells us that some crops are being grown with no other purpose but to be highly processed. He makes this evident with corn and warns the reader that the stalks of corn intended for high fructose corn syrup is inedible to a normal person. We are playing God with our food and there is no telling what the consequences may be.