GMOs are genetically modified organisms, also called transgenics. This means that different genes are combined and their DNA is altered to form different organisms. Medicines and vaccines, food and food ingredients, animal feeds, and fibers like cotton can all be genetically modified. When referring to crops, GMOs are more resistant to insects and require less labor to maintain or produce.
Genetically Modified Crops
GMOs are becoming more widely used since first being commercialized in 1996. Genetically modified crops are designed to increase productivity and yield for farmers. GMOs typically grown throughout the U.S. include maize, cotton, soybeans, small grains and canola. The production of these GMOs could help to nourish the underfed population. Other benefits are increased nutritional values and higher profits for farmers.
Pesticide Use Reduction
Genetically modified crops tend to be more insect-resistant than traditional crops. This leads to a reduction in the uses or applications of pesticides. The National Center of Food and Agricultural Policy reports that U.S. GMO farmers have reduced use of pesticide applications by 46 million pounds annually since 1996. With the reduction of pesticide applications, there is less risk for potential water or soil contamination.
Reduction of Labor
Genetically modified crops also help farmers control weeds and, therefore, reduce the time and resources invested in plowing. The decrease in plowing can lead to decreases in soil erosion, runoff, tractor fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions. In this instance, GMOs are beneficial to the environment by conserving soil and energy.
Other Environmental Benefits
Genetically modified organisms aide in water conservation. GMOs are also more efficient to cultivate, process or produce. This further increases the profitability of genetically modified crops.
Risks of GMOs
Because the side effects of genetically modified organisms have been largely untested, there has been much debate regarding the risks and benefits of GMOs. Opponents worry that GMOs could cause harm to other organisms, cause allergies to humans, or cause uncontrolled reproduction of plants. Others fear these genetically altered organisms may create "super" weeds and "super" insects which would be more resistant to typical weed or insect remedies.
