Week 5

In week 5 of our project, we discussed:

• Discussed tasks to stay on track with our timeline
• We are in contact with Urban Tree Connections, a local Philadelphia farming organization
• Goals:
• complete some blog maintenance
• research the European GMO and organic policies
• Investigate the process of becoming Certified Organic in the United States
• We are conflicted as there are advantages and disadvantages to both GMO and Organic Products and we are looking into finding a happy medium

Week 4

In week 4 of our project, we discussed:

• We have collected a lot of data, however, we had not established a clear position
• Started to develop a pros and cons list for GMOs and non-GMOs
• All sources we consult seem to be extremely biased for wither one side or the other
• Brainstormed ways to quantify our research using data on the USDA website
• Plan to continue to reach out to local farmers

Week 3

In week three of our project, the following was discussed:

• The sources that we individually found were listed under the "Findings" tab
• We decided to focus our research on a local agricultural model
• We have collected dated life cycle assessment data that we plan to update
• Plan to attend a local farmer's market and reach out to local farmers to discuss their views on biotechnology and what their farming practices are
• Started to develop an overview life cycle assessment of GMOs versus non-GMOs

Week 2

In week 2 of our project, the following was discussed:

• Project Proposal was completed
• Research will be conducted for the next few weeks
• Goal: determine the advantages and disadvantages of GMOs versus non-GMOs
• Assess the financial, environmental, and qualitative impact of the use of GMOs versus non-GMOs
• Each group member will individually conduct research and collaborate to combine our findings

Week 1

In week 1 of our project, the following was discussed:

• Group formed
• Theme: GMO-Free Organic Farming in Pennsylvania
• Tasks
• Project Proposal
• Background Research
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Mathematical Modeling
• Conclusion Formation
• Final Report and Policy Memo