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Biopharming Ethics
Environmental
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Due to the plants being grown in large acres, there are still other crops that are grown in that area therefore, there are chances of contamination with pollen, which has occurred before with ProdiGene.
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Concerns with insects like honeybees that consume the pollen can potentially have the virus in their systems
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Workers on the farm may come in contact with chemicals that can be harmful and dangerous to their health
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"When asked what percentage of their acres they would be willing to use for pharmaceutical tobacco, only 15.4% were willing to use 31% or more of their acres" (Hayes, Kostandini, Jordan). Too much land, not being utilized to its fullest.
Social
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Critics are concerned about possible allergic reactions due to plants producing different proteins than humans, thus once in the body the body would confuse the "human" protein as foreign creating an allergic reaction
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Some may be concerned that the FDA will not have as strict regulations with transgenic crops and consumer crops. Some are afraid of potentially eating the wrong crop due to accidental mix ups
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Potential farm workers may back out due to the fear of unexpected effects environmentally or health wise.
This graph shows the percentage of people that were surveyed on their concerns with biopharming and for what are they concerned with.
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Biopharming can potentially harm animal species by disrupting their environment.
This chart shows the amount of herbicides used in the U.S. from 2005 to 2012. This is important to biopharming because farmers are dying to the harsh chemicals in herbicides and potential farmers fear of working due to this issue.
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Since biopharming is considered "genetically modified" some people oppose of all types of genetically modified crops regardless of its purpose.
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Religion plays a factor in why part of the public are against biopharming
Biopharming Pros
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Biopharmaceuticals create about $163 billion in global revenues and makeup 20% of the industry
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Biopharmaceuticals create about $163 billion in global revenues and makeup 20% of the industry
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Biopharming has potential to produce pharmaceuticals to be made to cure diseases like HIV/AIDS
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Biopharming through plants could be a safer alternative since viruses or bacteria associated with mammalian cells will not affect the plants
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Biopharming is less expensive and has the potential to be accessible worldwide if approved and perfected
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Pharming is $1 to $2 for a gram while factory made medicine is about $150 a gram
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This new industry will allow for new job opportunities for people who enjoy farming and medicine
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