GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are one of the most contentious topics in the world today.  We should however, consider the following questions:  What do we really know about them? Are these concerns justified?  People are so passionate about this issue that some misguided individuals have actually rioted and vandalized crops in Oregon, Australia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines.  This mob behavior is similar to the burning of women at the stake for committing imaginary crimes like witchcraft.

Unfortunately, public opinion oftentimes has absolutely nothing to do with scientific fact.  A Gallup poll showed that 48% of respondents actually believe that foods produced using biotechnology pose a serious health hazard, compared to 36% who think that they do not.

GMO labeling is a hot issue.  Currently, laws are being passed around the country requiring labels on all GMOs with Vermont being the first state to enact such a law.

What is a GMO?

Basically, scientists extract DNA from an organism, modify the DNA, and then incorporate it into the genome of the same species or a different one.  This transfer of modified DNA can be accomplished by using a “gene gun” to inject DNA-coated metal pellets into the plant cells, or by just using bacteria for delivery.

Another type of GMO is created by turning off a gene that is normally expressed without introducing a new gene.

Cisgenic GMOs are achieved by introducing genes from closely related species, and transgenic GMOs are the result of genes from distant species crossing over to other kingdoms of life.  For example, taking a gene from a bacteria and inserting it into a plant will produce a transgenic GMO.

Both of these types of genetic modifications actually occur in nature on a regular basis, so they are nothing new and completely “natural."

GMOs are truly one of science's greatest achievements that have yielded many benefits to humans other than food.  Two very important achievements include insulin that diabetics inject themselves with to regulate blood sugar to keep them alive and growth hormone that is used for kids with rare genetic disorders that prevent them from growing normally.  Both of these hormones are produced from GM bacteria.

How long have GMOs been around?

Did you know that genetically modified foods have been around for the last 10,000 years and that most of the foods you have eaten throughout your life are genetically modified?  The food you eat today bears little resemblance to what our ancestors ate thousands of years ago.

Apples are a perfect example of genetic modification through breeding practices for millennia.  Have you ever wondered why there are so many different types of apples such as Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Macintosh, etc?  These are all genetically modified for various reasons such as taste, size, and resilience to climate change.

All bananas used to have seeds until they were bred out, and carrots used to be yellow and purple until the Dutch bred them to be orange in the 17th century.

Genetically engineered plants became a commercial product in 1994, but they have been around for the last thirty years.  Since these plants were developed, more than 1,700 scientific studies have been conducted to determine whether they are safe for human health and the environment.  The overall conclusion of these studies is that GMOs are completely safe for human health and the environment.

Why are people so afraid of GMOs?

The paranoia surrounding GMOs actually comes from the false idea that things that are “natural” are more wholesome and safe than those that are man-made or artificial.  This is known as a “logical fallacy,” because it is not based on valid information.  Farmers throughout history have always tried to create the best possible crop yield by breeding...