Why GMOs are good.

By: Ethan Schmidt

There has been a big controversy going on about GMO’s. If you don't know what GMOs are, they are genetically modified organisms. This means it is an organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a lab using genetic engineering technology. This creates combinations of organisms that do not occur in nature or traditional cross-breeding techniques. Many people say that GMOs are bad to eat and they are bad for the environment, but this is not true.

GMOs are tested for safety before they go to market. In the US, GM foods must be tested before they can be sold. This testing process can take 7-10 years. It must evaluate the risk to humans, animals, and the environment.

They are among the most tested products in history. 1,700 peer-reviewed studies found no evidence that GMO crops produce effects in humans or livestock. A test found that GM food is just as healthy and nutritious as non-GMO foods.

GMOs can reduce pesticide use. GMO crops can allow farmers to use less pesticides on their fields. GM crops can be modified to fight against the pests on their own. On average, GM technology has reduced chemical pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yield by 22% and increased farmer’s prophets by 68%.

GMOs may be our best bet to adapt to changing global conditions. Climate change and population growth are putting pressure on the agricultural industry to feed a hungry world. Many croplands are experiencing drought. Biotechnology can help us develop more resilient crop varieties that are better able to survive these changing conditions.