Below are the most common arguments in defence of growing and consuming genetically modified crops. Choose a supporting sentence and detail that you think is relevant to each point.

Support

1. If crops were able to resist insect predators, farmers would use fewer chemicals on their crops, chemicals that can harm birds and other insect populations.

2. For agricultural scientists, the goal is to produce more crops with less fuel, less fertilizer, and less land, but crops that are better able to withstand the harsh weather conditions and disease, potentially allowing farmers to grow two crops a year.

3. One of the most significant challenges of the 21st century will be feeding a population estimated to double in size within the next half century, and GMOs are the most realistic solution.

4. GMO crops undergo many years of research, field trials and internal reviews before being submitted to regulatory agencies worldwide for assessment and approval.

5. In developing countries, malnutrition is a grave problem because people often have to rely on a single staple, such as rice that, on its own, doesn't supply sufficient nutrients.

6. From broccoli to grapes, the fruits and vegetables at the supermarket have gone through countless generations of careful hybridization and genetic breeding to improve yields, taste, size, texture, and other attributes.

Detail

1. The average yield improvements for developing countries range from 16% for insect-resistant corn to 30% for insect-resistant cotton, with an 85% yield increase observed in a single study on herbicide-tolerant corn.

2. All plants and all animals, including humans, are genetically modified. That is what evolution means. They are genetically modified by natural selection of random mutations and recombinations. Some, such as maize, wheat, cabbages, and roses are additionally modified by domestic breeding. And some are modified by engineered mutation or recombination. Any of these three kinds of genetic modification can have desirable or undesirable consequences."

3. Insecticide use usually kills the natural enemies of pests and weakens the biocontrol services that they provide; however, genetically modified crops reduce insecticide use and promote the population increase of natural enemies."

4. Biotech companies are developing crops that have higher vitamins and minerals, as well as enhanced antioxidant content, which may help prevent chronic diseases.

5. In the United States alone, GMO crops are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and for insect-protected crops, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

6. GM crop farming holds greater promise than conventional farming in terms of boosting production on the same amount of ground, and of raising crops where none could grow before, such as on salt-laden land.

GM foods can have many health benefits.

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Farmers will benefit greatly from biotechnology.

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GM technology will help the environment.

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Genetically modifying plants is completely natural.

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GM crops hold the greatest hope for feeding our rapidly expanding world population.

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