HELLO GMOS 

The term GMO, or genetically modified organism, is something you come across every day, whether at the grocery store, on television, or as part of a new diet. Now, take a moment and ask yourself these questions before continuing on; “What really is a genetically modified organism? Why should I care about GMOs? Do they have anything to offer to my everyday life?” The information below is there to provide you with factual insights about GMOs and to inform you of the impact these organisms can have.

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 A genetically modified organism has had parts of its genetic makeup altered to have certain desirable qualities. The most popular and ethically sound GMOs are plants, specifically food crops. Plants can be genetically engineered by selective breeding with other plants or have genes replaced to achieve desired traits. A common example of traditional GMOs includes maize and bananas.

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Food products and crops are genetically modified for a majority of reasons. Crops can be modified to survive in different conditions, such as consuming less water in droughts or adapting to different minerals in soils. Crops that are easier to grow can assist areas that have food shortages. Additionally, some crops can be modified to reduce toxic pesticide use. Genetically modified foods can be bigger, smaller, more flavorful, more nutrient-rich, and in some cases cheaper to purchase.