The facts about genetically modified food

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

Stories about genetically modified (GM) plants pop up in the news quite often. Exactly what is genetic modification? Following are some facts about genetically modified organisms.
Genetic modification is a technique where individual genes can be copied and transferred to another living organism. It changes the genetic makeup by adding or removing specific characteristics.
GM crops are plants that have been genetically altered to improve resistance to diseases caused by insects or viruses and to increase tolerance towards herbicides or extreme weather conditions.
One of the best known examples is GM soya, which is tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate. It allows for better weed control and fewer lost plants.
Supporters of GM technology say it will lower costs, increase yields, decrease the need for chemicals and help to feed a hungry world. Opponents are concerned about the health risks and the threat to the environment and say not enough studies have been done to prove it is safe and will not harm natural species.
The United States is the world leader in biotech crops, with gene-spliced varieties accounting for 75 per cent of U.S. soybeans, 71 per cent of cotton and 34 per cent of corn.
The European Union has not allowed the experimental or commercial growth of any new gene crops since October 1998, by which stage 18 GM plant varieties had been approved, including maize, rapeseed, chicory and soybeans.
As consumer fears grew in the late 1990s, European Union states including Austria, France, Greece, Italy and Luxembourg banned already-approved GM crops.
European Union governments also restricted GM field trials and between 1998 and 2002 the number of GM crop trials dropped by nearly 90 per cent.
The United States, with Argentina and Canada, decided to challenge the de facto European Union ban within the World Trade Organization. They said there was no scientific basis for the moratorium and that it was illegal.
Dates to Remember
Jan.21 - RR Cattlemen's Association Annual Meeting, Stratton, 7:00 p.m.