Genetically modified, or GM foods, are derived from DNA modification, or genetic engineering. It is a technology that alters the makeup of organisms, which changes the characteristics. For instance, you can insert a foreign gene into a vegetable that enables it to remain fresh longer. The FDA considers GM foods safe; however, critics like the Center for Food Safety (CFS) question the safety of GM foods.
Corn
Due to its wide variety of uses, the United States is the largest producer of corn in the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. farmers produced over 70 million acres of corn in 2000, netting about $15 billion in sales. According to the CFS, up to 40 percent of U.S corn is genetically modified. A bacteria gene is inserted that targets pests, increasing food supplies.
Soybeans
Soybeans are used in a variety of products and are the second most harvested crop in the United States. About 2.8 billion bushels of soybeans were harvested from over 72 million acres of cropland in 2000. Soybeans are the most genetically modified crop in the U.S. According to the CFS, about 80 percent of U.S soybeans are genetically modified. Their modification is for insect resistance.
Squash
Seminis seeds, the largest developer of vegetable seeds in the world, developed genetically modified squash. Although a current conclusive percentage is difficult to detect, as of 2004, about 10 to 30 percent of squash, primarily yellow crookneck squash, as well as zucchini, was being genetically modified to resist viruses.
Potato
Potatoes are one of the leading vegetable crops in the U.S, with 1 million acres producing 41 billion lbs. of potatoes. Idaho is the top potato producing state, with 11.5 billion lbs. Russet, Atlantic and Shepody are varieties of potatoes genetically modified to produce their own fungicide and pesticide. Their starch composition is also modified.
Chicory
Chicory, or radicchio, grows in all parts of the U.S. The salad part of radicchio is known as endive. The root portion is commonly dried and ground to produce coffee blends. Radicchio is genetically modified to produce it's own pesticide, gaining approval in 1997.
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