Response to Question B

Genetic engineering, as unnatural as it is, can be viewed as a good thing. Like Pollan says, "...novelties unknown in nature before our attempts to exert control: edible potatoes (the wild ones are too bitter and toxic to eat)..." [Pg. 185] Obviously if genetic engineering had never intervened, we would have never been able to eat the potato. The Inca’s did modify potatoes, in many different ways without the use of modern technology, in order to grow them in different climates and be able to eat them. “The Inca’s developed a different spud for every environment.” [Pollan Pg. 193] This shows that technological mechanisms are not necessary for the modification of agriculture. Because the potato was modified [first non-genetically, then genetically] Ireland was able to sustain themselves agriculturally and provide for their families during a time of famine and poverty. This can be viewed in a negative light as well because in the end, the abundance of potatoes in Ireland created their demise since the over-production produced a decline in wages as well as a growth in population.
If it were not for genetically modified foods, we would not have the potato to use at our disposal or even eat it at all, as well as other fruits as vegetables. Like the NewLeaf potato Pollan talks about, there are certain agricultural advantages like it’s resistance to the Colorado potato beetle. This stops the degradation of the potato plant by this notorious beetle. This helps farmers have a bigger production amount and in turn reap a bigger profit while being able to contribute more potatoes to the community. Overall, I think genetically modified food, although unnatural is beneficial to our society as a whole. As nice as it would be to never have to modify agriculture, it is a part of our lives and, at this point, is needed to feed the world.