I recall drives through Kansas where there were fields of corn and other crops that had signs designating different rows of the plants as different hybrids. That memory made me think about the differences between hybrid plants and those that have been genetically modified (GMOs). I knew those fields in Kansas were planted to study which hybrid gave the best yields. The researchers would consider disease and pest exposure and rainfall and other weather conditions. The yields under those various conditions would then tell the seed companies and farmers which hybrids they should plant in coming years. That research and the information developed was and is a key to keeping up with the appetite of a hungry world. Continue reading →

I have been interested in the arguments for and against genetically modified foods, although the standard reference has been “genetically modified organisms (GMO).” There is major conflict between those who believe we must develop this new technology to have a chance to feed an expanding world population and those who believe the technology of genetic modification presents significant risks. I was poorly informed about the technology, and the initial reaction is that “man should not be involved in modifying genetics.” Of course it isn’t quite that simple.  One side of the argument is that GMOs are useful to combating hunger, which is a powerful argument. Others contend that the technology is dangerous to the environment and consumers.  Some opponents consider the Monsanto, which has been a leader in development of GMOs, to be worthy of the harshest criticism possible. Continue reading →