Learning about conventional farming, GMOs, and soybean production and consumption

3. • Conventional farming is heavily dependant on
chemicals. Large amounts of synthetic pesticides
and fertilizers are used.
• Monocropping (production of the same crop year
after year on the same land) is a common
technique. This practice degrades soil quality.
• Genetic engineering of crops is becoming
increasingly widespread, as is antibiotic use.
• There are advantages to conventional farming,
such as increased yields and decreased crop
damage. However, the harm done to the
environment may outweigh the benefits.

5. • GMO- genetically modified organism
“Organisms in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered
in a way that does not occur naturally”
– World Health Organization

6. • Crops are modified in order to create an advantage over
traditional crops.
• Advantages include….
– Cheaper production costs
– Disease resistant crops
– Decreased pesticide use
• However, GMO use is highly controversial due to the
possible health and environmental effects.

7. • Alfalfa
• Canola
• Corn
• Cotton
• Papaya
• Soy
• Sugar Beets
• Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash

9. • Some studies have shown that consuming soy can be
heart-healthy, lowering the risk of cardiovascular
diseases.
• Eating soy lowers blood cholesterol.
• Soy is a source of protein.

10. • Possible health effects of GM soy include:
• hormonal disruption
• miscarriages
• infertility
• loss of libido
• increased risk of certain cancers

11. • About 90% of soy grown in the US is genetically
modified.
• Soy is one of the world’s largest crops. The total area for
soy crops has exploded to over one million square
kilometers, though only 6% is used for direct human
consumption.
• The pesticides used can be toxic to helpful animals such
as bees, butterflies, and birds.
• Toxins released into the ground kill soil bacteria and
damage soil quality.

12. Pesticide sprayer in South America
James W. Thorsell / WWF-Canon
“The application of pesticides for soy cultivation
is not without risk-agrochemicals could
contaminate soil, and surface and underground
water sources.”

13. Ask your supermarkets to buy
soya that doesn’t cause
deforestation.

14. • 20 questions on genetically modified foods
http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/biotech/20questions/en/
• Non-GMO Project http://www.nongmoproject.org
• The Environmental Impact of GMOs www.onegreenplanet.org