Understanding Genetically Modified Crops
GM crops are universally toted as an evil visited on us by cruel, unthinking corporations. Did you know that a GM crop has been developed that could stop vitamin A deficiency in asiatic countries? No, because it has been banned. The world needs to reexamine the reality, and benefits, of GM.
Idea Description
This organization is devoted to increasing understanding of how GM crops are produced, why they are produced, and what that means for the consumer. GM crops can pose a threat to native plants, but only when allowed to grow freely, which is not likely in one of the most heavily regulated industries in the world. GM crops do not have an increased risk of mutation, they cannot make you sick, a viral vector does not mean they carry a disease, and they need to be defended as they lifesavers they could be. We plan to distribute pamphlets in supermarkets and clinics informing of the real pros and cons of GM, and why it should not be so heavily condemned by people who do not understand it.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
We will attempt to further educate by promoting a letter writing campaign to Greenpeace, one of the largest and most respected organizations to oppose GM, as well as other similar groups. We will also print up pamphlets to distribute at supermarkets and clinics truly discussing GM, and not just dismissing it as some sort of voodoo science. Our goal is to stop these groups, and the public, from associating GM with steroid, hormone, or pesticide treatments, as it is fundamentally different, and is dismissed on the grounds of its relation to these industries. We will also try to spread the word to the biology and chemistry departments of other universities, to garner more volunteers.
Vote for it now.
Good luck with this, you have my vote even though i suspect that appeal to the leadership at Greenpeace will fall on deaf ears. Maybe you can reach the governments **** enough to listen to Greenpeace on the subject of GM foods.
Um, I have to ask, is your organization funded by a company that creates GM crops?
Nope, I'm a student, actually, and this is a nonprofit organization that currently has absolutely NO funding, only a few donations of flyers and such and a membership that started with my university campus and has been expanding (slowly) to other campuses as well. This isn't about telling people that GM is something it's not. It's about debunking the ridiculous myths perpetuated by organizations that are supposed to be above that kind of abhorrent fearmongering. GM is new, and it is commercially viable, and it does have a few downsides-but that is not a reason to rampantly make accusations about its risks or intents, which many organizations have. We just want to clear the air!