Playing God In The Garden

            
             Written by Michael Pollan, a potato-growing author who wrote this article for the New York Times Magazine, Playing God In The Garden discusses the role of corporate giants such as Monsanto in agriculture. Monsanto is researching and developing genetically engineered seeds that allow the plants to produce their own insecticide. This helps to increase crop productivity and overall quality of the products. Certain farmers would enter into contracts with the corporation in which the farmers agree to use Monsanto seed. Pollan also states that over 45 million acres of genetically altered plants are in the field of the United States. Pollan also discusses his dilemma of whether or not he should the eat biotech potatoes that he has grown in his own garden. He discusses that fact that consumers really have no choice in the matter of what they eat day to day. Pollan concludes that if had a choice that he would not eat biotech potatoes.
             The writer's technique is well thought out. He incorporates his own experience with growing potatoes. The article contains plenty of useful information about potatoes and the big businesses that are becoming involved in farming and mass food production. In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with genetically engineered food products. Chances are that I have already eaten them and the fact is that I am still here. So if the Food and Drug Administration and other government health organizations say that it is okay, I really have no problem eating them. With the onset of more and more pollution and population, these genetically engineered products may be the answer to growing nations" food problems.