Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are those organisms whose genetic material or DNA has been deliberately altered to incorporate genes from another species. According to the Human Genome Project, GMOs are designed to confer certain advantages to the plants and animals in question, and are currently used agriculturally throughout the United States. GMO foods are those derived from plants and animals that have undergone genetic modification. The technology used to create GMO foods offers both benefits and risks.
Greater Yields
GMO food crops have been genetically altered to have shorter growing cycles, greater resistance to both insects and disease, higher yields, and higher nutritional value. GMO animals have increased production as well. For example, dairy cows may produce more milk. The World Health Organization, or WHO, states that the higher yields afforded by GMO plants and animals may allow food prices to drop while food sources become more abundant.
Less Environmental Impact
Some food crops have many negative environmental impacts due to erosion, irrigation needs and the heavy use of pesticides and herbicides. According to the Human Genome Project, GMO crops have been designed to specifically address these issues. Crops that are resistant to disease and insects require fewer harmful chemicals. Plants that are engineered to be drought-resistant require less irrigation, which both conserves water and lessens erosion.
Safety
Opponents of GMO foods raise two concerns regarding their safety: the introduction of new allergens, and the creation of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, sometimes called "superbugs." As genes are inserted into one species from another, new proteins will be made that may have the ability to cause allergic reactions in some people. Additionally, the technology used to create GMO foods relies on inserting antibiotic-resistance genes into some plants, according to the Human Genome Project. It is possible that during digestion, these genes could become inserted into bacteria that live in the gut and cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Should these bacteria infect animals and humans, our resources to fight them would be diminished.
Contamination
Because sun, wind, water, birds and insects are not bound by property lines, there is concern that cross-pollination may occur between GMO crops and non-GMO crops in the vicinity, with the result that genetic alterations may be inadvertently introduced to the non-GMO crops. Certainly for the farmer who has chosen to grow non-GMO foods, this would be seen as a great disadvantage.
Loss of Biodiversity
With all of the advantages offered to farmers by GMO foods, such as greater yields and decreased energy needs, there is legitimate concern that agriculture will become dominated by crops and animals that have been genetically modified. This could translate to a loss in biodiversity, meaning that many other varieties of plants and animals will no longer be available.
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