GM crops like corn are designed to be disease and pest resistant.
The first Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) available for mass consumption were soybeans, initially planted in the mid-1990's. Shortly afterward, farmers began planting and marketing GMO corn, potatoes, cotton, rapeseed and tobacco, along with the original soybeans, for human use. GMOs are genetically modified to provide farmers with higher yields and drive down costs, but the benefit or harm of long-term GMO usage is open to debate.
Genetic Modification
Genetic modification alters plants and animals by adding DNA to their genetic code. The new DNA is chosen to provide a particular beneficial trait such as resistance to herbicides or viruses. Scientists intend that the new plants will prove heartier than their traditional counterparts and result in higher yields.
Genetic modification is a concern for the environment for several reasons. First, the new plants can cross-pollinate with surrounding species, effectively releasing a completely new genetic profile "into the wild." This has potential to decrease biodiversity, which could in turn leave the food supply more vulnerable to disaster.
Second, many modified plants have insecticidal properties that cause death when eaten by harmful insects.
Finally, as with all anti-microbial products, many scientists are concerned that the resistance bred into GMOs may create tougher strains of viruses, bacteria and weeds that would be more difficult to eradicate.
Human and Animal Health
Currently, laboratories only modify plants with DNA strands from substances that are considered harmless to humans and animals. There is concern, however, that the DNA isolation and recombination may result in a substance that behaves differently in the new plant than it did in the original, triggering allergies or causing toxicity.
On the other hand, food designed to contain more nutrients may be beneficial to humans and animals. Higher levels of essential nutrients could lead to better health with little change in dietary intake.
Farming Economics
GMOs are generally designed to provide a higher yield for farmers, which should provide a greater income from lower costs. However, initial economic benefits have proven elusive.
Most GMOs are patented. The seeds are available from a limited number of sources and cannot be saved from year to year. This results in an increased price. Over time, wide acceptance of GM crops could consolidate seed production into the hands of a small number of producers, decreasing competition and driving up prices.
Marketing GM crops has also proven difficult. Since there is little understanding of the long-term effects of these plants, consumers are nervous about purchasing GM foods and their derivatives. The European Union has lead the way in marketing regulation, implementing strict standards for GMO farming and product labeling within member countries.
