Most people are familiar with the phrase “GMO” but there’s a lot of mystery surrounding what GMO stands for and means.
Genetically modified organisms, also known as GMOs, have been subject to scrutiny since their inception. Part of its controversy is how governments worldwide were driven into taking different measures regarding their risks and benefits.
What GMO Means
GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism. A GMO is any organism whose DNA composition has been altered through genetic engineering. These organisms aren’t limited to a plant-based life. GMOs can include bacteria, yeast, insects, marine life and mammals.
Examples of GMOs deemed safe for consumption by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) include the following:
- Corn (Field & Sweet)
- Soybeans
- Cotton
- Canola
- Alfalfa
- Sugar Beets
- Papaya
- Squash
- Arctic Apples
- Innate Potato
- Aquabounty Salmon
Currently, more than half of all Americans refuse to buy foods with GMOs. It is estimated that over 80% of all foods in North America contain GMOs.
Animal feed is the biggest part of the GMO food supply. With a vast majority of Americans agreeing that non-GMO foods are healthier, why aren’t radical changes being made?
Consumers want to make an informed choice but product labeling is currently voluntary. The truth about GMO testing is these tests are reviewed in the U.S. by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and similar organizations internationally.
These tests are conducted by both industry experts and independent organizations to ensure that common GMO foods are safe to eat.
These institutions believed that mandatory labeling would shake the confidence in their results and further bring down skepticism in the eyes of the consumer.
It takes 13 years and $136 million before each genetically modified seed is approved in the U.S. That explains why only 10 crops have been approved for genetic engineering.
Insulin used to come from human cadavers and then pig pancreases, but now higher-quality insulin exists thanks to genetic engineering.
Only by pushing the limits of science that we can achieve our maximum potential. Biggest problem is when common people become part of a long term experiment. It is difficult not to be skeptical when GMOs are a direct extension of chemical agriculture and are developed and sold by the world’s largest chemical companies.
It isn’t new to consumers that big corporate america has sold their dignity and have fabricated lies in exchange for bigger profits.
For years, the tobacco industry assured customers that cigarettes were neither unhealthy nor addictive. With unscrupulous behavior geared only towards higher yields and lower production costs, the only thing for certain is a cost and benefit analysis.
The Pros and Cons of GMO Foods
Pros
- Reduce soil erosion.
- Help conserve water.
- Help improve air quality.
- Fewer pesticide applications.
- Farmers can still choose what seeds to grow based on what is best for their farms, market demand and local growing environments.
- Farmers can operate with fewer resources or increase crop yields.
- Genetically modification can increase the nutritional value or enhance flavor.
- GMOs improve the quality of the food that is grown.
- GMOs can better withstand being shipped to remote areas of the planet.
- Herbicide use on GMO crops is lower than other crops.
- It protects crops from extinction.
Cons
- They may contribute to an increase in food-related allergies.
- May contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Just 6 companies control almost the entire GMO seed market and 70% of the global pesticide market.
- Independent research is not allowed with GMO seeds from half of today’s controlling organizations.
- No long term study on the impact of GMOs.
- Genetically modified crops also are responsible for the emergence of “superweeds” and “superbugs,” which can only be killed with more toxic poisons.
- The Non-GMO or GMO-free labels are not mandatory yet. Often GMO products are not clearly labeled, meaning people do not have the choice to decide whether or not they wish to consume GMO products.
How to Avoid GMO Foods
- Avoid processed foods containing ingredients from corn, soy, canola, sugar beets, and cotton. More than 70% of processed foods found in retail stores and restaurants contain ingredients derived from GE corn, soybeans, canola, and cotton.
- Look for Non-GMO Project verified products. For more information www.nongmoproject.org
- Eat organic.
- Buying organic food also offers assurance against the risks of genetic engineering because GM substances are prohibited in organic production.
- Buy locally grown foods.
- Grow your own.
About FarmFreshEx
FarmFreshEx is a leading online farmer’s market that allows you to buy fresh Non-GMO produce directly from producers.
