So, how is genetic transformations different today from those in the past?

First of all, gene manipulation today is done in the laboratory. Secondly, the transfer of genes is in many cases from one specie to another as we shall see. Thirdly, GMO can be transfered by pollination to other land races of the same kind, (e.g. genetically modified corn to other types of corn).

It all began in the 1970's with the Monsanto Co. which made a herbicide call Roundup capable of killing all green plants. The company decided to boost sales of Roundup by creating crops resistent to this herbicide. After many experiment they were able to modify the genetic makeup of soybeans by inserting genes from the cauliflower virus, some petunia DNA and another strand of DNA from a different bacterium. Now soybean fields could be sprayed with Roundup which killed only the weeds. The Monsanto Co. began to market its genetically modified seeds to farmers in 1996. At the left are GM soybeans. This field had been spayed with Hebride so that most weed were lying dead beneath.

Since than, trangenic technology has diversified to include other crops such as cotton, corn and animals. The Chinese have developed grapes rich in resverutrol associated with a longer life span. Genetically engeneered pigs can produce large quantities of Omega-3 fatty acids usually found in flax seeds and certain fish. GM salmon grows twice as fast and wild salmon. Genetically modified goat's produce milk containing beneficial proteins. Cotton also has been developed to kill the boolworm larvae which attacks it. There seems no end to the modifications proposed or already at work.

The use of herbicide and pesticide in conjunction with genetic modified plants present a different problem for farmers. Soil contains living organisms which are of three types, "The first consists of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and amoebae. The second includes micro-fauna -- tiny animals such as mites, collembola and nematodes. The third category is macro-fauna, or earth worms and insects." (Webpage: Land Restoration, Soil helpers ... ) All of these living organisms have a roles to play in maintaining the fertility of the soil and in helping water and minerals gravitate and enter the roots of plants. In the Bible we read,

"The universe lives and abides forever;
to meet each need, each creatures is preserved."
(Sir 42:24)

"The ever increasing trends of herbicide and pesticide use in modern agriculture has not only killed unwanted pathogens but has also destroyed beneficial soil organisms to the point that the soil is unable to support plant growth. This has resulted in the increased use of chemical fertilizers to compensate for these deficiencies. It has been shown that soils subjected to compaction, treated with water soluble fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides have very little bacteria, no fungi and poor oxygen levels." Herbicides carried by water have a detrimental effect of fish and bird life which feeds on fish." (Webpage: Clown Fish Margaret River: biodynamic production and organic...)

We have to learn to work in harmony with God's creatures because to do otherwise can only lead to failure in the long run. We must utilize the methods of organic farming in order to preserve our soil and other creatures of the earth which are essential to soil formation and enrichment.

4. Single Genetic Modification?