Contemporary Approaches to Food Production (DP IB Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Grace Bower
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)
Genetically Modified Organisms are modifications of genetic material
Genetic modification involves adjusting DNA to create new variations of plants and animals
New DNA is inserted into other organisms or shared between organisms to improve productivity, flavour or nutritional value
Through biotechnology, we can now alter the structure of organisms
Normal methods for food production may be unsuccessful or cause certain issues
For example, pests and diseases may impact successful crop growth
Genetic modification can increase pest and disease resistance
GM methods include:
Increasing the nutrition density of a crop
Disease resistance
Pest resistance
Growth hormones
Increasing shelf life and reducing spoilage time
Taste improvement
Examples of GM foods include:
Pink Pineapple
Tomatoes
Salmon
Cotton
Summer squash
It is a heavily debated food production method
Many countries across the world ban or have restrictions on GMO products
Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is the growth of crops vertically (upwards), in layers
Usually occurs in large buildings, greenhouses or shipping containers to reduce land use
Produces more food for the land available
Examples include:
Hydroponics - growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient-rich water instead
Aquaponics - using aquaculture with hydroponics. Waste from marine animals nourishes the water used for crop growth
Aeroponics - crops hang in the air, with their roots exposed. A nutrient-rich condensed mist waters the plants
Vertical farming is seen in countries across the world, from Germany and the Netherlands to Japan and Singapore
Examples of vertically farmed foods include:
Lettuce, kale, broccoli, garlic
Strawberries
Tree seedlings
Plants used for medicine
Fish
In Vitro Meat
In Vitro Meat is synthetic meat
It is produced by removing cells from live animals and placing them into a culture liquid full of nutrients, where they will grow to produce tissue
Natural (or synthetic) materials, e.g. gelatine, are then used to help shape the tissue into the recognisable ‘meat’
It is highly restricted or banned in some countries
Only the United States and Singapore currently sell In Vitro Meat
Advantages of contemporary approaches
Contemporary approach | Advantages |
|---|---|
Genetically Modified Organisms | Helps to increase the nutrition provided by crops through nutrient fortification
Crops may be drought-resistant
May produce more productive crops and higher yields
Food lasts longer and won't spoil quickly Pest resistance limits the use of harmful pesticides Can improve flavour and the look of food, e.g. apples which don’t brown |
Vertical farming | Doesn’t require soil, which is ideal for places with poor soils Can be grown in all sorts of places, from highly urbanised cities to the underground Much more sustainable, using
Saves land for other resources Supporting food security and climate change, as there is less risk of crop damage from flooding or droughts. It is more reliable Aeroponics reduces the amount of labour needed to grow produce |
In Vitro Meat | More sustainable - conventional meat production has negative effects on the environment e.g. high water use, land use, greenhouse gas emissions Better for animal welfare than conventional farming (animals don’t die) Is productive, with large outputs Better for our health with fortification of nutrients e.g. Omega-3 fatty acids Reduces the need for things like growth hormones Reduces the risk of animals contracting diseases and limits the risk of food poisoning pathogens |
Disadvantages of contemporary approaches
Contemporary approach | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Genetically Modified Organisms | People are still worried about the safety of GMO foods for consumption e.g. allergic reactions or cancer May cause superweeds, which are resistant to certain herbicides
Different restrictions across the world add to people’s suspicion Biotechnology giants control production.
May cause biodiversity loss and cross-contamination of GMO genes into other natural organisms |
Vertical farming | Needs regular monitoring and knowledge to operate successfully Low labour inputs may result in fewer jobs and the loss of traditional farming jobs Heavily technology dependent
Land in urban areas is expensive, resulting in higher costs The systems use a lot of energy |
In Vitro Meat | Many question the ethics of production Can be costly, with technologies and trained staff
Has a different taste from normal meat Uncertainty around the safety of In Vitro Meat e.g. cancer possibilities The culture liquid is sometimes made from animal blood, therefore it isn’t necessarily cruelty-free Not really a useful alternative for vegetarians and vegans Could put conventional farmers out of business Increasing people’s access to meat may result in people eating more, bringing disease with it |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
Make sure you know the advantages and disadvantages of each contemporary approach to food production. You may be asked to compare the three or with traditional farming techniques!
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