Topic: 2024-GMOs and Food Security
Country: South Africa
Delegate Name: Abby Huffman
Food and Agriculture Organization
GMOs and Food Security
South Africa
Abby Huffman
Forest Hills Eastern
As the world population grows, so does the amount of mouths to feed. The unprecedented rate of population growth, especially in underdeveloped countries, presents an unprecedented challenge to the world regarding food security. In simplest terms, there is not enough food to go around. To face this, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have been gaining popularity throughout the world. GMOs seem like a viable solution to food shortages for many, largely due to their timeliness of growth, increased shelf life, ability to enhance nutrition, and low carbon footprint. However, GMOs also come with noteworthy criticisms, as they are new and scientists are unaware of their long term effects. Despite this, more than seventy countries either import or grow GMOs. GMOs are an essential tool to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 3 (Good Health and Well-being), which should be the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) ultimate goal.
South Africa has been a pioneer in the production of GMOs, being the first nation in Africa to grow them and one of only three nations in Africa producing them today. Currently, South Africa produces three genetically modified crops: maize, soybean, and cotton. South Africa clearly supports GMOs and recognizes their ability to fight food insecurity, but they also take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of their citizens or anyone who consumes GMO products. In order to produce any GMO, South Africans must obtain a permit. Furthermore, South Africa’s GMO Act establishes strict regulations and implements measures to promote the responsible development, production, use, and application of genetically modified organisms. Risk assessments and quality assurances are done at every stage of GMO development to ensure close evaluation and monitoring long before these products are available on the market. These initiatives ensure that South Africa can reap the benefits of GMOs while minimizing their potential dangers. Similar checking systems could be conducted by FAO by request from nations. This would help enable GMO production safely in underdeveloped countries, where GMOs are arguably most needed. Funding for such assessments could come from anti-hunger NGOs and scientific institutions focused on GMO research. South Africa adheres to the Codex Alimentarius published by FAO and WHO (World Health Organization), which is a collection of internationally recognized standards, codes of practice, guidelines, and other recommendations for food production. South Africa’s rigorous assessments ensure its citizens’ adherence to the Codex, and an international reflection of the system could ensure the global community’s compliance to a healthy future. Research is another essential element to the development of GMOs, and FAO should also consider research initiatives and funding opportunities in order to end food insecurity for good.
The global challenge of food insecurity demands bold, innovative solutions, and GMOs offer a promising path forward. South Africa’s model demonstrates how GMOs can be responsibly developed and regulated to address hunger while safeguarding public health and the environment. To build on this success, the international community must take action. Governments, NGOs, and scientific institutions should collaborate to establish global frameworks for the safe development and distribution of GMOs, especially in underdeveloped regions where they are most needed. By investing in rigorous research, implementing risk assessments, and adhering to internationally recognized standards like the Codex Alimentarius, FAO can ensure a future where no one goes hungry. Together, we can harness the potential of science to create a world where food insecurity becomes a challenge of the past.
