Exposing the Gaps in GMO Facts

"GMOs are bad."  "GMOs are unsafe."  "GMOs cause cancer."  "GMOs are evil."

If you've ever said one of these phrases or heard someone say it, then allow me to let you in on a little secret... 

GMOs are changing the world for the better! 

Let's start with the basics:

What are GMOs?

    GMO stands for genetically modified organisms.  Genetically refers to the genes of the organism.  Modified refers to the fact that some factor has been changed.  And organisms refers to the living thing (crop, bacteria, fungi, plant, etc.) that received a change.

Why do we use GMOs?

    A farmer's biggest worries which could prevent a good crop yield are insects, weeds, and weather.  Weather is an unpredictable factor which cannot be controlled.  Insects and weeds however, can be controlled using genetically modified or GM crops.  This ensures a farmer can get the best yield possible out of every field they plants.

Aren't GMOs just pesticides?

    No!  GMOs are actually what a farmer uses to avoid/limit the use of pesticides.  Some GM crops are changed to help crops repel a particular type of insect that feeds on it.  Other GM plants are developed to be resistant to specific weeds, limiting the use of more weed control.

Are GMOs safe?

    Yes!  In fact, GMOs have undergone more detailed evaluations than any other group of plants that we consume.  Why?  Because ensuring the safety of the foods farmers produce is a top priority in the agriculture industry.

Do GMOs cause cancer?

    No!  Every credited study and evaluation done on GMOs has come to the same conclusion: there is no data to indicate that consumption of GMOs affects human health.

Isn't non-GMO healthier than GMO?

    They are both equally as healthy!  Currently, there are no health benefits to eating GMO products over non-GMO or vice versa.  However, with changing technology, this could change in the future as there is technology in process to create more nutritional foods using GMOs.

What about organic vs. GMO?

    The biggest difference between organic foods and GMO foods is how they are grown.  GM crops are able to avoid/limit the use of pesticides because of the GMOs they have.  Organic crops have restrictions on what they can or cannot use to ensure they can be properly labeled as organic.  For example, organic crops can still use pesticides, however, they are limited to the type they are able to use.  

Are all GMO products labeled?

    Yes, as of 2016, Congress passed a bill stating all food containing a GMO ingredient is required to have one of three types of labels to inform consumers: a statement on the package, directions to a website or a phone number, or a QR code.

So, I ask you, why do GMOs get such a bad rep?  
Why is Science so frowned upon in the Agriculture Industry but often, idealized in the rest of Society?  

ANSWER🠊 the media is one of the biggest influences on public thoughts/opinions of a controversial topic.  The media is, many times, the reason why the general public will learn to either love or hate something.  But there is one area the media lacks in... facts.  An abundance of opinions does not make a fact.  Similarly, a bunch of facts do not make an opinion but rather an educated statement.

As someone who is actively involved in the agriculture industry and understands many of the misconceptions, hidden lies, and untold truths about this necessary industry, my dedication toward agriculture only continues to grow.  I CANNOT FORCE YOU TO CHANGE YOUR MIND.  I can, however, inform and educate you and help one decipher fact from opinion.

GMOs have been making a positive impact on the agriculture industry and thus, benefiting the economy.  Sadly, misconceptions about GMOs cause controversial responses about them.  

In the past two decades GMOs have been around, GMOs have...

• reduced the use of pesticides
• increased the yields of crops
• decreased the consumer prices of foods
• enhanced nutrient composition
• provided a greater food security
• AND MORE!!

GMOs are only continuing to grow and be pursued.  New technology and sciences are constantly being worked on, all so YOU, the consumer, will have a safe, healthy, nutritious food every day.

We all want the "Best of the Best" which is why I CHALLENGE YOU to try something new!

BUY a food labeled "GMO"

RESEARCH from credited sources (I provided you with a couple that I used!)

What are GMOs  USDA GMOs & Organic

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