Genetically modified vegetables

2HARVEST | www.2harvest.nl

Introduction:

Mr. Peter Klapwijk is truly a remarkable man who is passionate about everything he does. Based in the Netherlands, and being in such a dark country, in 2000, Peter was the first to grow tomatoes using artificial light successfully. In 2005 he founded, together with 2 partners, GreenQ consultancy and their research facility ‘The Improvement Centre’, several projects led to a long-time relationship with Paskal. The company GreenQ grew tremendously, and in 2014 Peter sold his shares.  He then began to advise companies internationally regarding, his passion, R&D innovations specializing in creating “the greenhouses of the future and bringing companies, people and technology together.”
Today we spoke with Peter about the impact for the industry of Genetically Modified foods.

What is all the fuss about when discussing GM crops, and why do people feel so strongly about this issue? Mr. Peter Klapwijk, with his knowledge, passion, and expertise, sheds light on the controversy by addressing several fundamental questions about GM crops.

Genetically Modified Crops

Genetically modified (GM) crops are the subject of a contentious dispute involving the entire world of agriculture. This argument, which touches on economics, politics, religion, and other fields, is being held everywhere.

Crop varieties created using conventional techniques like breeding, selection, and mutation now include genetically modified (GM) crops. Although the advantages outweigh the hazards, the public, scientists, and authorities are concerned about their safety due to their novelty.

What are genetically modified (GM) organisms and GM foods?

Foods that have undergone genetic modification (GM) are those derived from species whose genetic material (DNA) has undergone changes that do not normally occur, such as the insertion of a gene from another organism.

Why are GM foods produced?

Thanks to GM technology, plant breeders can combine beneficial genes from various live sources, not simply from inside the crop species or from closely related plants. This effective technology expands the possibilities beyond the restrictions imposed by conventional plant breeding while enabling plant breeders to produce improved plant types more quickly.

Resistance to certain pests, diseases, or environmental factors, as well as resistance to chemical treatments, are typically the goals of GM crops (e.g., resistance to herbicides). The nutritional content of crops can also be improved by genetic manipulation.

Advantages and disadvantages of GMC

GMO crops provide many benefits, but some organizations are worried that they might have health repercussions.

Scientists can select the ideal traits to include in GMO crops, and there is ample proof that adopting GM crops has produced significant advantages in the industrialized world. These consist of:

1. Increased crop yields
2. Lower agricultural expenses
3. Enhanced farm revenue
4. A safer setting
5. Better-quality food

Every type of technology has potential drawbacks. Risks associated with GM crops include:

1. The risk of unintentionally contaminating food with allergens and other antinutritional elements
2. The possibility of transgenes slipping into wild relatives from developed crops
3. Pests could develop immunity to the chemicals released by GM crops.
4. The possibility that these toxins will harm non-target creatures.

Are GM foods assessed differently from traditional foods?

Before national regulators evaluated the alteration and determined that the modified food was as safe and nutrient-dense as its unmodified counterpart, no GM food could be sold. At the same time, traditional foods are not assessed unless people become sick due to microbial or chemical contamination.

Peter states that it must be disclosed to growers by being completely transparent, so they understand fully what is being done.  The seed supplier must tell their clients by law, which is placed in catalogs with certification.  Furthermore, Peter states that it must be organized as an industry and learn proper control and thus can explain everything in detail and guarantee it is healthy.

Peter is a “Progressive green thinker” who believes fully in GM crops for sustainability, saving space, and helping the environment. But we must remain critical of the regulations.

If you like this article you would be interested in reading the following articles:

The article about: Innovative Bio-products for Horticulture

The article about: Paskal Modern Growing Methods