GMO's- Meeting the Needs of Global Agriculture

GMO's- Meeting the Needs of Global Agriculture 

The term "genetically modified organism" can mean different things to different people. At the Iowa State vs. Iowa football game, I was told by an opposing fan: “You do know that bananas are made in factories, don’t you?” I calmly stated, “I’m sorry, but this banana was picked from a banana tree, most likely in Costa Rica.” I was then told: “No, that banana was made in a factory; it doesn't have seeds, and is genetically modified.” After referencing trees and Costa Rica again, I realized I was not going to change this Hawkeye’s mind. I said farewell and received an “I just made you smarter, didn’t I, farmer?” as a goodbye.

Planting genetically modified corn on our family farm in Iowa  

So what is a genetically modified organism?

Such organisms are ones that have had their genetic material altered through genetic engineering. Some of the reasons crops, for example, have these traits inserted into them is to decrease pest pressure and limit the use of additional herbicides. Limiting the use of herbicides is crucial as we strive to promote a healthy environment for both humans and wildlife around the world.

Unfortunately, a large part of the population has a distorted perspective of these trait-carrying crops. The popular belief of organizations such as the Alliance for Natural Health is genetically modified organisms are not safe to consume. Those organizations claim one simply cannot test genetically modified organisms for safety to one's health. We have groups such as Millions against Monsanto spending time and money to create a negative buzz around genetically modified organisms.

These special interest groups have a goal of reverting back to production practices of the early 1900s that simply won’t produce enough food or our growing population.

In contrast, it is encouraging to see groups bridging the gap between farmers and consumers explaining the benefits of genetically modified crops to our globally interconnected society, such as the American Farm Bureau, The Coalition for Safe and Affordable Food,  and National Corn Grower's Association .

Unlike the early 1900s, when 40 percent of Americans lived on farms across the nation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture now says fewer than 2 percent of Americans live on farms. American farmers must be more productive, cognizant of land stewardship, and must also create a safe reliable food supply for the consumer through the use of genetically modified organisms.

Our world is going to have to become more dependent on genetically modified crops because of the increasing population and yields these traits offer. According to the USDA, there is a good reason for concern about our ability to feed 9 billion people by the year 2050. In order for farmers to be able to produce enough food to feed the increase of 2 billion people during the next 38 years, we are going to have to utilize biotechnology.

Moreover, we will be farming less fertile land due to land degradation. According to the National Resources Conservation Service, we have seen the productivity of several areas around the world decline by 50 percent due to soil loss. Many of these areas have malnourished people, especially developing countries in West Africa.

If we don’t take advantage of genetically modified crops and the increased yields they offer, we are going to be dealing with a lot more issues of hunger in the future. We have already been taught that when food prices go up due to less supply, developing countries can afford less food. It is morally unacceptable to let the starvation increase or even continue, for that matter. We must use these genetically modified organisms to our advantage to feed the hungry planet.

The root cause of the future issue we are facing is the supply and demand of the world’s grains. It is senseless not to use the technology we have created with the resources provided around us. Envision buying a new tractor to increase efficiency, but letting it sit in the shed and plowing with a horse instead. It simply doesn't make sense in our current world fueled by technology and innovation.

Today's farmers and agribusinesses are dedicated to creating a safe, affordable, and abundant supply of food for families across the world. If we have safe ways to increase yields that will feed more people, why not use them?

A Life Bound by Agriculture

A Life Bound by Agriculture

I grew up on a fifth generation family farm near Rockwell City, Iowa. It was on this farm that I developed a passion for agriculture at a young age “farming the carpet” with my younger brother, a future AGR, and riding with my father and grandfather in the tractor and combine from dawn until dusk. Farm work required family, perseverance, tenacity, and time-management.  This was reflected upon around the dinner table each evening when my mother would say “Boys, tell us about your day”. Whether we were kicked by one of our 4-H calves during evening chores, dissected a frog in biology class, or asked a girl to the FFA sweetheart dance, we talked about the daily occurrences. What I didn't realize at the time, was how this upbringing was preparing me to join hands with other like-minded young agriculturalists to conquer challenges in the ever-changing world of agriculture in years to come, by joining the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.

The Lauver Family (Kevin, Linda, Andrew, and Jacob) 

In my first few weeks in the fraternity, I quickly realized that Alpha Gamma Rho would be an incredible place to call home nurturing friendships and promoting professional development in an unrivaled manner. It didn't take long to grasp the fact that many of the other brothers had sat at a similar family table to the one I had grown up around. Our housemother Jan Brown, improved our dinner etiquette, and older members continued to push us as a group to seek the highest standard of leadership, scholarship, and professionalism.  As brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho we will strive to emulate the upperclassmen’s qualities for the rest of our lives.

As time went on, it was evident that being brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho was not going to be simply a place to rest our heads in the evening, and a place to brush our teeth in the morning. No, it was much more; Alpha Gamma Rho was preparing us for life, just like those family meals.

As brothers in Alpha Gamma Rho, we are now quite possibly charged with the greatest challenge ever seen in agriculture to date. By 2050, the U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts our population to grow to 9 billion people, and all Americans will be competing for a meal at the world’s table. As Alpha Gamma Rho members, we have been guided by the most impressive set of alumni advisors, housemothers, and industry professionals that anyone could ever ask for to meet this opportunity head on.

So, how does Alpha Gamma Rho prepare us for the ever-changing world of agriculture?

At some point, we must all say goodbye to the fraternity and enter the real world. On June 3^rd, 2013 I entered the “real world” or “after life” as some would call it, when I began working for DuPont Pioneer as the Frank Ross International Business Emerging Leader. I had worked 22 years for the opportunity to contribute to the field that I have been passionate about since I had come home from the hospital with a Pioneer bib and a John Deere tractor waiting in my crib. 

 Growing up on the farm in Iowa- Andrew Lauver 

                My first position at DuPont Pioneer has been an exceptional one. The position was named after one of the greatest leaders Pioneer Hi-Bred International has ever seen. His name was Frank Ross, and he was a driven visionary who had a special interest in nurturing young talent. Now in my full-time role, it is my mission to give back to the company that has invested so much in me by collaborating with others to address global issues in agriculture, and returning on their investment.

As members of Alpha Gamma Rho, we all have the opportunity to give back to the organization that has given so much to us, in so many ways. It is promoting the ideals of Alpha Gamma Rho for the rest of our lives through representation during our professional careers, recruitment of our young brothers into the industry, and educating youth about the opportunities in agriculture that are of utmost importance.

 Indeed, I can tell you with great confidence that the future is bright in agriculture with the brothers of Alpha Gamma Rho leading the way all across this great nation, and world. I am forever grateful for my years spent in Alpha Gamma Rho, and I look forward to the many fun and challenging opportunities in the years ahead!

Fraternally,

Andrew Lauver

Eta Chapter “2061” 

(Article written for the Alpha Gamma Rho Sickle and Sheaf Winter 2014 Issue)