Today's Ag Chat is all about busting some common myths about genetically modified organisms or GMOs. GMOs are a hot topic for consumers and agricultural producers, but I think it's important to share some fact based information with you! No psuedo-science here. I hope that you take a kernel (a GMO kernel to be specific!) of this info and share it with someone.
It's important that I pass along information about GMO's to each of you, but it's probably even more important for you to hear from America's farmers about why they make the choice to plant GMO crops!
The video below was created by CommonGround, an organization of farm women who want to help educate consumers about the food they're buying. In the video, you'll hear one Minnesota farmer's perspective on why she chooses to plant GMOs on her family farm.
Okay, time for some myth busting... Read the statements below and then scroll to the bottom to find out if they're a myth or fact!
Q1. A GMO is an organism that has had it's genetic material changed to exhibit a particular trait.
Q2. There are more than 100 GMO crops available today for farmers to plant.
Q3. Gluten allergies are caused by GMOs.
Q4. Agriculture companies, like Monsanto, are forcing farmers to plant GMOs.
Q5. GMOs allow farmers to use fewer chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides, on their crops.
Q6. Crops grown from genetically modified seeds are studied extensively to make sure they're not dangerous for humans, animals and the environment.
.
.
.
.
.
Keep scrolling!
.
.
.
.
.
Just a bit farther.
.
.
.
.
.
Q1. A GMO is an organism that has had it's genetic material changed to exhibit a particular trait.
A1. Truth!
Q2. There are more than 100 GMO crops available today for farmers to plant.
A2. Myth! Actually, there are only EIGHT GMO on today's market.
Q3. Gluten allergies are caused by GMOs.
A3. Myth! Gluten is only found in products that contain wheat, barley or rye. None of which have a GM version.
Q4. Agriculture companies, like Monsanto, are forcing farmers to plant GMOs.
A4. Myth! To help reiterate this point, I want to share with you a quote from a personal friend and Illinois farmer...
"I disagree, the market dictates what we plant. As a farmer, we look for the best way to utilize every acre of ground to bring to market a premium product with a high net per acre all while being good stewards of the ground and environment for years to come."
Q5. GMOs allow farmers to use fewer chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides, on their crops.
A5. Truth! Some GMOs have genetic traits that make them resistant to insects or diseases. By creating that resistance, the pesticide or herbicide that would typically get rid of that insect or disease is no longer needed. This saves farmers time and money, while reducing their impact on the environment!
Q6. Crops grown from genetically modified seeds are studied extensively to make sure they're not dangerous for humans, animals and the environment.
A6. Truth! On average, it takes approximately $135 million dollars and 13 years to bring a new GM product to market. Why? Because not only does the United States Department of Agriculture review them, but so does the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration.
For additional sources of information on GMOs, agriculture and farming practices, I urge you to check out these sources:
