Essay Sample on Golden Rice

“Stop the Golden Rice Hoax”; this exact saying was wavering, in bold letters on a banner, as I was walking to class. As you most likely know, the Golden Rice controversy has been going on for years, as some oppose the genetically modified crops, and others can see the benefits it could possess in developing countries. As for me, I trust the genetically modified crop, Golden Rice, and support the further development and use of it in developing countries, including Asia and Africa. To support my opinion, I have done extensive research on Golden Rice and genetically modified crops in general. I will explain what genetically modified organisms are, including their benefits, risks, and how the genetically modified crop, Golden Rice, was conducted. I will discuss why Golden Rice is efficient and necessary in developing countries, while still being conscious and explaining the concerns that people may have.

To begin, genetically modified crops refer to crops that are genetically engineered by taking a desirable trait that a different plant has and transmitting it to the crop they are trying to improve (GMO,2021). In the example of Golden Rice, it was designed by taking the native rice, and adding the desirable trait of carotene, which later is converted into Vitamin A. Golden Rice is a perfect example of a genetically modified organism. Some of the main reasons why genetically modified organisms were created were to increase incest and disease resistance, enhance nutritional content and to reduce food waste; they were made to benefit the consumers and farmers (Buu, 2003). There are a lot of good benefits that could come from genetically modified crops, especially in countries which lack resources. Although this concept may seem like an ecstatic idea, with the several benefits come reasonable concerns. The controversy of the Golden Rice stems from the real topic of genetically modified foods in general. Several individuals do not understand the science behind genetically engineering a crop, therefore it leads them to believe that changes to a native plant can lead to bigger problems or pose a risk to their health (Regis, 2019). All of these concerns are very reasonable, however with some clarification and evidence on the science and testing of genetically modified organisms, these risks can be diminished. I will further explain these concerns, along with others, in relation to Golden Rice later.

 Now that I have explained what genetically modified crops are, including their benefits and drawbacks, I will discuss the heart of this report: the importance and further acceptance of Golden Rice. The concept of Golden Rice was introduced almost two decades ago when scientists, farmers, and society were trying to find a solution to the severe lack of Vitamin A in developing countries. Although some may argue that there are other sources of Vitamin A, scientists believed it was important to the communities in Asia to keep their staple food. Especially in developing communities, rice is the main food that is consumed due to its cheap cost, easy maintenance, and its cultural significance (Maispag, 2018). Rice is a staple food; however, it does not offer a balanced, nutritious diet that people need, especially growing children. The problem with the lack of nutrients, especially Vitamin A, is the later results. Vitamin A deficiency is most prevalent in communities that heavily rely on a rice-based diet and the consequences of this deficiency are fatal, as it can result in impaired vision, irreversible blindness, reduced immune response, and more induced infections (GRP, 2022). Golden Rice has the potential to reduce or eliminate the lack of Vitamin A, and therefore, the severe consequences that follow. By introducing beta-carotene to the endosperm of their native rice, which will later be converted into Vitamin A, the communities get to keep their native food, including its flavor, while obtaining nutrients they need to remain healthy (Buu, 2003). Another alarming thing to mention is that Vitamin A deficiency most critically effects children and pregnant women, making the acceptance of Golden Rice even more crucial (GRP, 2022). The creation and promotion of Golden Rice will primarily benefit the native people. Therefore, I believe that the FAO should continue to support and further the advancement of Golden Rice. Golden Rice can increase nutrients needed in one’s diet, while also reducing the amount of Vitamin A deficiency-induced diseases and deaths, especially in young children. 

Now that I have discussed what Golden Rice is, I will deliver the several concerns that people have. Several people often view Golden Rice as the “gateway” crop to promote further genetically modified organisms, which is where the real concerns lie. One major concern that people have about genetically modified organisms is that they can cause illness, including cancer. Although this concern is valid, as scientists are essentially adding a trait from one plant into another, there have been extensive studies to ensure that genetically modified organisms are safe to eat and pose no risk to human health. Very reliable sources, including the World Health Organization and the European Food Safety Authority, have performed and confirmed that genetically modified crops are safe to the public (GMO Myths, 2021). This concern should not be the reason that Golden Rice is not accepted and furthered in developing countries. Another concern that people may voice is that there are other ways of obtaining Vitamin A needed for a balanced diet, including eating more vegetables (Stokstad, 2019). The fear of genetically modified organisms leads society to believe that there is a more efficient solution to the lack of Vitamin A in developing communities’ diets. However, Golden Rice has the most potential to reduce Vitamin A deficiency worldwide, as it incorporates the native, staple food, and is cheap and sustainable (Dubock, 2019). Once Golden Rice has been developed and grown, the farmers can harvest the seeds and plant them later, which reduces the cost overall. Golden Rice continually proves to be the most efficient and necessary solution to the rising communities that experience Vitamin A deficiency. It can help save thousands of lives, and these few concerns, which can be clarified with accurate explanations and science, should not stop the FAO’s support and funding of Golden Rice. 

Golden Rice is a modern genetically modified crop that has received a lot of controversy over the last two decades, nevertheless I hope you take my extensive report into consideration when determining whether to continue the support of Golden Rice. I believe that developing communities in Asia need all of our support to help increase their Vitamin A intake and as a result, reduce their overall lack of nutrients. Golden Rice is the most efficient way to introduce Vitamin A into their diet, while keeping their native, staple food that everyone enjoys. Golden Rice is the solution that primarily benefits the consumers and farmers, and it should not be feared because it is a genetically modified organism. After reading my report, I hope your decision comes with ease.