Topic: 2024-GMOs and Food Security
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Vivienne Grzelak
Delegate: Viv Grzelak
School: Williamston High School
Country: Republic of Korea (South Korea)
Committee: FAO
Topic: GMOs and Food Security
Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs for short, are generally seen as a negative concept for most countries. As it is seen as a means of scientific advancement, it is not generally accepted by most countries as good for the public. Most public and governmental perception is negative and seen as a negative means of trade and not healthy for the general public’s consumption. Nevertheless, being able to modify plants to be more durable for colder and dry climates could benefit those populations, but could lessen the trade between countries with poor agricultural conditions and the countries who give them the needed food; ultimately making their economy worse and their country less stable overall.
Currently, the ROK chooses to produce most of its own food to boost the domestic economy. Even though this is not a viable option for many countries, South Korea chooses this route to boost the economy and protect the already vulnerable agricultural sector of the country. Along with that, a lot of consumer reports from the ROK show that many Korean residents are not in favor of the mass distribution of GMOs across the country, and that over half of residents interviewed for a study showed that they perceived GMOs as risky to their health.
Due to attempts of genetically modified products being traded to the Republic of Korea, many trade deals with the ROK have been strained, especially with the United States and the European Union. Both of these states would like to begin trade of GMOs with South Korea, but due to previously stated aversions to GMOs trade it has proven difficult.
For the future, the ROK would like to focus on helping other countries become more self-sufficient and grow crops specific to their regions. Our efforts to make sustainable agriculture to support our economy and residents has proved to work extremely well. It has also helped our country steer away from relying on GMOs to support our country’s food needs while giving some of our most vulnerable citizens a reliable and sustainable income to support their farms.
