GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism)

GMO stands for genetically modified organism, also known as genetically engineered organism. GMOs are a creation of biotechnology, a field of biological science that has developed ways of manipulating genetic material in living organisms in order to achieve particular results. It is a relatively new science, developed over the last 30 years, and has become controversial partly because of its already widespread use in industrial agriculture. Critics of GMO technology say that adequate testing has not been performed to ensure that manipulating genetic material is not irreparably damaging to the ecosystem. Nonetheless, since 1995, the use of GMO crops in agriculture grew 50 times. In the U.S., 89 percent of soybeans, 83 percent of cotton, and 61 percent of corn are genetically modified.

Proponents of GMOs claim that the practice — that of breeding plants in order to create new hybrid varieties – has been used by agriculturists for millennia. Critics argue, however, that traditional plant hybridization operates within the normal boundaries of an organism’s biology. Biotechnology, on the other hand, blends genes of very different organisms, injecting the anti-freezing mechanisms of cold-water fish, for example, into tomatoes to make them frost-resistant.

A growing movement of concerned scientists, farmers, consumers, and politicians has come together to halt such practices, saying that biotechnology could be devastating to the future of agriculture and could cause new food allergies and ecological disturbances. Some cities, counties, and nations have succeeded at banning GMOs from being produced or sold in their area. They have been met with great resistance from biotechnology companies such as Monsanto, which has used the science to create patented seed varieties that are designed to go sterile so that farmers must repurchase seeds each year.   

Though there is no regulated labeling system for foods containing genetically modified materials, some companies have begun to label their own foods “GMO-free.” This has proven attractive to consumers, as a growing number of non-organic corn and soy products now proudly ensure they do not use GMOs. Organic standards also prohibit GMOs, so buying organic is one good way to avoid them. Learn more about GMOs.