Learn about Agriculture

What is a GMO?

What’s in a name?

GMO stands for “genetically modified organism”. The genetics of virtually all plant-based food we eat today have been modified over time, so the term “GMO” could technically apply to all of them. When people talk about GMOs, they are often referring to genetic engineering.

Genetic engineering refers to specific methods used to precisely change an organism’s DNA. This method of plant breeding is used by scientists to enhance or modify the characteristics of an individual organism.

Plant domestication by the earliest farmers 10,000 years ago is an example of genetic modification. There are many ways to genetically modify a plant. These include domestication, conventional breeding, mutagenesis and genetic engineering.

Summary: Are you concerned about eating food that has been genetically altered? What’s the benefit to me?

Summary:  The 1996 World Food Summit states that food security "exists when all people, at all times, have physical and ecnomoic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food prefereneces for an active and healthy life." How can plant breeding contribute to food security?

Summary:  DNA is the recipe for life!  Differences in the genetic code are the reason why one person has blue eyes rather than brown, why some people are susceptible to certain diseases, why birds only have two wings, and why giraffes have long necks.

Summary:  Genetic engineering allows us to harness natural systems to produce crops with enhanced nutrition and to produce medicines that would not toherwise be possible.