Genetically modified crops: Understanding the Science and Impacts.

Welcome back to another installment of the organic blog! In today’s post we explore the world of genetically modified crops,breaking the topic down into a simple explanation and discussing the implications. GMO (genetically modified organisms) are currently classified as non-organic, and pose an interesting topic for the future of agriculture.

As agriculture adapts to meet the needs of the growing population, the crops grown to help feed the masses are also adapting. Technology has stepped in to help improve farming methods and genetically modified crops are one of the ways science is advancing agriculture to help increase harvests. But what are genetically modified crops, and are they safe?

What are genetically modified crops?

Genetically modified crops may seem complex, and while the underlying science behind them certainly is complex, the fundamental idea is relatively simple. Genetically modified organisms (or GMOs for short), are plants that have genes from another species inserted into their genetic make up, giving them specific characteristics associated with the introduced gene. For instance, let’s say you wanted an orange cauliflower. By taking a gene from a carrott that containing ‘orange’ DNA and inserting it into the cauliflower, you can achieve a vibrant orange-coloured cauliflower.

To summaries the process:

• Scientists transfer new DNA genes into plant cells.

• These cells are then grown into plant’s that produce seeds containing the added DNA genes.

• These seeds are then planted, resulting in plants that show the desired genetic trait, for example greater disease or pests resistance.

While the actual methods involved are much more intricate than this explanation, it provides a basic understanding of what a GMO crop is.

Although GMO crops produced using this technique are a relatively modern technological advancement, genetic selection is not a new concept. For thousands of years humans have selectively bred plants and livestock based on certain desired genetic traits, such as improved resilience or higher milk yield. Previously selective breeding occurred over generations by choosing individuals which displayed the desired characteristics, but today GMOs utilize scientific techniques to accelerate this. Despite genetic selection and selective breeding being age-old practices, GMO crops and the technology behind them are fairly new. As a result, there is limited research data available, and scientists cannot be certain of the potential long-term effects GMOs may have.

What are the effects of GMO crops?

Currently, genetically modified crops are not permitted in organic farming. Many scientists argue that GMO crops are an attempt to control nature, whereas the core principles of organic farming revolve around working with nature. While organic farming often looks for natural solutions, GMO crops are trying to alter and ‘fix’ nature, meaning organic and GMO values do not align well.

Although GMO technology does provide some benefits, it does still have its drawbacks:

Allergy risk:

There is a risk that individuals may experience allergic reactions if the inserted genes come from a product to which they are allergic. For example, if a GMO potato contained genes from a peanut, consumers who may have peanut allergies can eat the potato unknowingly and have an allergic reaction triggered by the inserted gene. This poses a problem as individuals may not know the origin of the genetics used in GMO produce, so may be unaware they are consuming genetics of products they are allergic to .

Superweeds: the supervillain attacking your local habitats.

GMO crops are often engineered with increased herbicide or pesticide tolerance. This allows farmers to use greater quantities of herbicides and pesticides to control pests and weeds, leading to greater crop yields. However, excessive use of these chemicals will also increase the negative effects of herbicides and pesticides on the environment. Increased pesticide use equates to increased damage to the environment

What’s more, The increased use of these chemicals has now lead to the emergence of “super-weeds” and “super-pests”. These pests and weeds have become resistant to herbicides and pesticides from over-exposure to these chemicals and have developed an immunity to them. Moreover, the widespread application of pesticides and herbicides enabled by GMO’s greatly reduces local biodiversity, as more plants struggle to survive the chemical treatments.

Environmental contamination:

Another issue with GMO crops is the potential for environmental contamination, The process of GMO plants spreading and integrating into the wild. Just like non-GMO plants, GMO plants disperse seeds and pollen in the same way. Consequently, when GMO plants release their seeds and pollen, the plants can easily spread into the wild and beyond the borders of the farm. The problem with this is that GMO plants, with their improved resistance and altered genetic makeup, can often outcompete native plant species for resources. The GMO plants can then thrive due to increased chances of survival, displacing the naturally occurring plants.

Overall, research on GMO crops remains inconclusive regarding any potential health concerns. However, there is mounting evidence that suggests GMO crops can have a negative effect on the environment.

In conclusion, genetically modified organisms are a complex topic which spark an interesting debate regarding science's interference with nature. GMO’s provide benefits and drawbacks, but could prove to be a useful asset in the future of mass-produced crops if solutions are provided for the potential issues. Organic farming regulations currently excludes GMO’s due to misalignment in between the technology used and the principles of working with nature, not against it. As the debate surrounding GMOs continues, further research may lead to more light being shed on the long-term impacts of GMOs and what the future implications may be.

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Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more informative content from our blog section in the future!