Last week the commentary was about the risks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) from the wonderful web site titled “Genetically Modified Foods:  Harmful or Helpful?” by Deborah B. Whitman. This commentary will challenge those who want GMOs banned with the positives of the products.

There is no doubt the issue is controversial; many environmental and public interest organizations have been actively protesting against GMOs for months. I’ve read that some “health food” stores have vowed to ban them from their shelves. The increased public concern has resulted in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to hold meeting to solicit public input and have begun a new regulatory process for approval of GMOs.

With that introduction, it is time to list what some say are the advantages of GMOs. I’ll be presumptuous and observe that the list of advantages distill down to the fact that more nutritious food can be produced for a hungry world. GMO crops can prevent losses from insect pests without the use of pesticides. They can be tolerant to herbicides that are used to control weeds. Diseases, viruses, fungi, and bacteria can all put crops at risk, and scientists are working to create plants that are resistant. There can be “antifreeze genes” added to prevent destruction of sensitive seedlings by unexpected frost, and plants are being developed to resist drought and salinity. There is research going on to improve the nutrition of grains. For example, rice could be genetically engineered to prevent nutrient deficiencies. There are even researchers working to develop “edible vaccines.”

It is obvious from reading the previous paragraph that there is considerable research needed to achieve some or many of the advantages, but GMOs are perhaps more a part of our current food supply than some might imagine. The FDA says there are more than 40 plant varieties that have completed all federal requirements. Deborah B. Whitman’s article has links to web sites that list the prevalence of GMOs in food production. The data are dated, but in 2000, 68% of all GMO crops were grown by U.S. farmers and there were thirteen counties growing GMO crops. Soybeans and corn accounted for 82% of GMO crops harvested.

Human history is filled with examples of how new technology has frightened and energized opponents. I’m thinking that GMOs is a recent example of a technology that could ultimately improve the human condition by feeding more people. I do not discount the opponents of GMOs, because critics create diligence in evaluating the risks versus the rewards. I will also observe that there is a wealth of information on the Internet about GMOs, and I recognize that information can easily be found to support the opinions on either side of the controversy.

I intend to do a posting next week that will summarize my thoughts after considering the conflicting information about this complex issue.