Changes to farming

Question 1

5 Changes to farming

Answer 1

1. Genetically modified food
2. Organic farming
3. Diversification
4. New technology
5. Current government policy

Question 2

What is genetically modified food?

Answer 2

When scientists select the DNA of certain characteristics and insert them into another species in hope that it will develop the desired characteristic.

Question 3

Advantages of GM food (6)

Answer 3

1. Improved nutritional benefits
2. improved crop yield
3. Increased shelf life
4. More disease resistant crops
5. Frost resistance allows year round crops
6. Drought resistance crops could help feed starving people

Question 4

Disadvantages of GM food (6)

Answer 4

1. Only rich countries can afford it
2. Ethical/Moral issues
3. Possible unknown health risks
4. Animal welfare issues
5. Selected ‘gene’ escaping
6. Farmers might spray more chemicals if crops are resistant to pesticides/weed killers

Question 5

Disadvantages of NOT organic farming (4)

Answer 5

1.Harmful to insects and wildlife.
2. Fertilisers can wash into rivers and lakes causing algae to spread over using up all the oxygen, Leaving the lake/river biologically dead
3. People are also concerned about the health risks associated with using chemicals.
HOWEVER:] Organic farming takes more time and is harder work so it is more expensive

Question 6

What is diversification?

Answer 6

When farmers use their land for non-farming prospects. Because with increased machine and fertiliser power, the same amount of food can be grown on less land creating possibility for diversification.

Question 7

Advantages of diversification (2)

Answer 7

1. Its not dependant on the weather
2. It provides another source of income for farmers in case crops fail

Question 8

Disadvantages of diversification

Answer 8

May add traffic to country roads and create noise pollution. Might cause conflict with locals.