I’m finally using my site for portfolio examples. The article below tackles the controversial GMO debate, attempting to present a balanced view of a sensitive topic.

Plant-Based Food and the GMO Debate: What You Should Know

Almost any crop you choose as a food source has been modified over the centuries. Traditionally, the only way to do this was through selection and selective breeding. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), on the other hand, are created by artificially introducing desired genes.  

Introduced genes can even come from unrelated species, something that would not be possible using traditional plant breeding practices. To most people, that already sounds a little scary, but we have been manipulating genes for a long time. GMOs can be either “good” or “bad” depending on the reasons they were created and the consequences of growing them. 

Examples of GMO Controversies

GMO controversies range from justified concerns to overgeneralizations and indefinable fears. You have surely encountered, and may even hold, the opinion that all GMOs are bad. This may not be the case in all instances. As these examples illustrate, there are reasons for concern in certain contexts, and it’s important to note that we don’t yet know everything about GMOs.

“Roundup Ready” Concerns

The development of “Roundup Ready” crops by Monsanto, the producer of the Roundup brand, is certainly among the most controversial applications of genetic modification. The theory is that farmers can practice weed control using the herbicide Glyphosate without killing the desired crop. They achieve higher yields by reducing competition between crops and weeds.

This, in turn, reduces costs and maximizes yields from arable land and other resources, such as fresh water, which are in short supply. The problem with all this is that Glyphosate is potentially carcinogenic, although there is still some dispute over its impact. 

Not only that, but its overuse may lead to environmental persistence and groundwater contamination in certain contexts. Thus, the use of this GMO may lead to residues in the food we eat, as well as negative effects that go beyond the produce itself.

Superweeds and GMOs

Moving from what we know to what we are less sure of, there are fears that GMOs could ultimately lead to “superweeds” that will be difficult to control and may spread into natural areas, impacting entire ecosystems.

Although there are examples of GM genes affecting other plant populations, experts believe that this phenomenon is not ecologically significant. However, fears that this is only the beginning may prove justified. 

Underresourced Communities and GMOs

From a socioeconomic perspective, GMOs may disadvantage farmers in under-resourced communities. They might well find the cost of GM seeds prohibitive, forcing them to grow crops without any of the advantages GMOs confer. As better-resourced farmers produce higher yields at lower cost, their livelihoods may be affected. 

Allergies and Inflammation

A notorious and widely publicized study finding that GMO feeds caused gut inflammation in pigs led to widespread media attention and caused alarm among consumers. Although this study was widely criticized and its results could not be replicated, the ripple effect persists. To date, there is no reliable evidence showing that GMOs cause gut inflammation. 

Concerns regarding the introduction of allergens through genetic modification also abound. Although it is certainly true that introducing new proteins can cause allergies, there is no evidence that GMOs are more likely to trigger allergies than other foods. Bear in mind, no GMO can be released until it has been carefully examined for unintended effects such as this. 

Bee Deaths

Bee colony collapse is a serious concern. Some people believe that crops engineered to produce Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a ubiquitous bacterium that helps keep insect pests at bay, may have negative effects on bees. However, this theory has been debunked as a primary cause of colony collapse. BT is not harmful to humans and has a very limited effect on bee colonies. 

Benefits of GMOs in a World With Finite Resources and a Growing Population

Before we condemn every GMO ever created, we should consider individual crops’ real and potential benefits. It’s an unpopular view in many circles, but the world and its resources remain the same while our population grows. Genetic modification could be the new “green revolution” that benefits people and the environment alike. Recognized benefits include:

Nutritional Benefits

Some GMOs may address common nutrient deficiencies and food quality issues that affect billions of people. The Golden Rice example illustrates this. It contains a Vitamin A precursor that helps address serious vitamin A deficiencies. This deficiency leads to premature death or blindness among women and children in countries where people rely on rice as a staple food. Unfortunately, Golden Rice is not yet enjoying widespread adoption. 

Better Yields and More Affordable Food

Pest and disease resistance can improve yields and lower food costs. With more people than ever to feed, existing agricultural land can be more productive. Producing more food from existing land reduces the need to expand farmland into sensitive ecosystems, potentially providing biodiversity benefits. 

In a related point, some GM crops offer improved shelf-life. That allows for pronged storage, limiting spoilage losses and food waste. Although freshly picked produce is certainly more nutritious, longer-lasting produce means more food reaches people who need it. 

Reduced Reliance on Pesticides and Improved Farm Worker Safety

Although not all pesticides are toxic, many of them are. This poses risks for the environment as well as the people who must work the land or live near it. Every year, farm workers around the world die from pesticide exposure, and the figures are almost certainly higher than we know. Pesticide exposure can have cumulative effects, and consequences may be hard to trace back to their root cause.

Many genetic modifications aim to reduce our reliance on pesticides, benefiting agricultural workers, consumers, and natural systems. Once again, there is a cost-saving element that translates to lower food prices, something most consumers would welcome. At the same time, it’s worth noting that dependence on herbicides increases with the use of certain GM crops. 

Environmental Benefits and Food Security

There are multiple environmental benefits to be realized thanks to genetically modified crops. Some of them use less water, an increasingly scarce resource. The UN reports that “water bankruptcy,” a condition in which we use more water than the environment can replace, is already a serious threat. Growing crops with lower irrigation needs could help solve the problem. 

As climate change affects communities worldwide, resilient crops can contribute to improved food security. The world may face a choice between increased reliance on GM crops and food scarcity. 

Genetic Modification Of Plant-Based Foods And You

Although this article cannot cover every possible fact you should consider when weighing the benefits and risks of GMOs, it may offer some food for thought. In many communities, people believe that all GMOs are, by definition, bad. As with most absolutist statements, that may not be true. 

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t weigh the reasons why a specific GMO was created, how consuming it may affect you, and whether there is evidence you should avoid it. However, many of the fears are overblown, while some real concerns receive insufficient attention.