Genetically Modified Crops & You

Genetically modified organisms (also sometimes called "genetically engineered organisms, or simply genetically engineered / GE), specifically food crops, are one of the most concerning topics of the conscientious food consumer today. Why? Because nobody really knows what the real effects of GMOs are or will be in our future. Always there will be speculation: from those that want to benefit from their uses, they're considered "safe" and "essentially the same" as food crops; from those that are wary of perfunctory claims, the speculation is nothing short of disastrous.

To err on the side of caution, the preference of most people (including myself) would be to refrain from GMO use for food production at minimum. It is probably the safest bet until sufficient, rigorous testing has been performed on the effects of GMO / GE Foods in the environment and in our bodies. But big business with big wallets that feed big lobbyists - at least in the United States - continue to rally use of the worlds' resources at their liberty, and for our supposed benefit.

So if there ever was a reason to purchase organic, this is it: Certified Organic food cannot legally contain genetically modified technology. Not in seed and not in feed. And until we can be sure of what the end-result of biotechnology in the food system will do in both our bodies and the environment, we should just stick with organics and heirlooms.

And because there are no labeling laws that require GMOs to be claimed, knowing whether or not GMO technology is in your food can be really tricky business.

The USDA website's biotechnology FAQ, states that 46% of corn, 76 of cotton and 85% of soybeans grown in the United states are genetically modified. Corn and soybeans are the top two agricultural products grown in the United States, with hay coming in third  (hay constitutes any legume or grass made for fodder; alfalfa is one) and cotton in fifth, just under wheat.

If one purchases any sort of processed food, almost certainly it will contain genetically modified technology. Why? Because vegetable oil is made from corn & soybeans, and vegetable oil is in almost everything. But even if you avoid corn & soy, there's always sugar, which not only satisfies our biological sweet tooth, but is a functional preservative. 95% of sugar beet crops are from genetically modified seed.  Even the most careful shopper is likely to have biotechnology in his pantry.

Aside from buying certified organic, we can remove GMOs from our plates by keeping the conversation going: When shopping at farmer's markets, talk with the farmers about their practices; they may not be certified organic, but they may still practice organic methods of farming. And save heirloom (non-hybrid) seeds whenever possible: Clearly label and date your seed packs. If you don't use them yourself, donate them to a local community garden. One day, they'll be worth more than gold, guaranteed.

Photo credit: still from GreenpeaceVideo, Genetic engineering: The world's greatest scam?