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genetically modified organism
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What is genetically modified organism (GMO)?
An organism whose genome has been altered in order to favour the expression of desired physiological traits or the output of desired biological products. Genetically modified foods were first approved for human consumption in the United States in 1995. The techniques used to produce genetically modified organisms include cloning and recombinant DNA technology. The primary applications of GMOs are in the areas of agriculture and biomedical research. GMOs offer numerous benefits to society, including increased crop yields and the development of novel therapeutic agents to prevent and treat a wide range of human diseases. Concerns surrounding the use of GMOs include risks posed to human health and the generation of insecticide-resistant “superbugs.”
"genetically modified organism (GMO)." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2012. Credo Reference. Web. 05 November 2013.
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What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
The idea behind CSA originated in Japan with teiki groups – ‘tie-up’ or partnerships requiring the consumer to pay a weekly fee in return for a box of fresh produce. Since the 1990s, similar schemes have developed in many other countries where, together with other direct exchange schemes between producers and consumers, they have enjoyed rapid growth. For example, in 2003 there were around 40 CSAs operating in the UK, and a further 60 farms establishing a scheme, whilst in the USA thousands of schemes were operating in 2002. By setting up alternative systems of exchange which short-circuit the MARKET and bring producers and consumers into direct contact, CSA enables small farmers to practise organic agriculture. Whilst CSA does not require organic certification, it usually proscribes the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. It also allows farmers to escape the downward pressure on price exercised by the retail sector, and to retain their independence. Through the advance payment, farmers can raise capital and receive a secure income; and by cutting out intermediaries, they can obtain a higher and fairer return (see FAIR TRADE). By making farms directly accountable to their consumers, CSA also encourages farmers to provide high-quality food at affordable prices. More broadly, CSA has been seen to encourage more environmentally sustainable and socially responsible farming by reducing food miles, encouraging local biodiversity, and securing local circulation of money in the community (see ENVIRONMENTALISM, LOCALIZATION, SUSTAINABILITY).
"COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE." The Dictionary of Alternatives. London: Zed Books, 2007. Credo Reference. Web. 12 November 2013.
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