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by fsflover 1511 days ago
> There isn't really a best seed. There are simply tradeoffs.

(Probably a naive question, but I know very little about the topic, sorry)

Why not to make GMO crops without tradeoffs?

1 comments

probably because "GMO crops without tradeoffs" are a contradiction
Could you elaborate? GMO crops possess no safety risk (if that's what you mean): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_crops.
your overly generous assumption about the safety risk aside, imagine a genetic modification and subsequent introduction of that modified organism into the ecosphere like a big leap of faith.

genetic mutation occuring in nature is of smaller scale (a few differences, a few individuals) and not subject to contradicting incentives that politics and markets are prone to.

> your overly generous assumption about the safety risk

This is not my assumption, this is scientific consensus, see the linked page.

> subsequent introduction of that modified organism into the ecosphere

This is not how the ecosphere works. The new mutation will only survive if it provides some benefits for the survival. If more nutritious fruits are like this, I see no problem here at all.

>> your overly generous assumption about the safety risk

>This is not my assumption, this is scientific consensus, see the linked page.

i very much doubt that:

  * it could be proven (that gmo's WILL NOT harmfully interact with other organisms)
  * there is (something aproaching) consensus on that topic
  * wikipedia is a credible source for it
thou i share the view that gmo have massively enhanced our abilities, i also think that the risk is of the same magnitude.
> wikipedia is a credible source for it

Wikipedia is not a source. It's a list of sources. And those sources are actually very good, check yourself.