very common and easy Questions and Answers about Genetically Engineered (GM/GMO) Plants
Q. What are GMO foods? A. GMO foods are foods made from GM (genetically modified)/GE (genetically engineered) crops or crop products. GM crops have a new gene (DNA) added by genetic engineering that confers a useful trait (such as insect or disease resistance). The added gene is from another plant or organism. Many opportunities exist for adding traits like drought resistance, nitrogen fixing, nutrition and flavor. Q. Which crops are genetically engineered (GM/GMO)? A. Soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, sugar beets, alfalfa, and papaya. 94% of soybean and cotton acreage and 92% of corn acreage planted in the U.S. were GM varieties in 2015 (ISAAA, 2016). Q. Why do farmers grow GM crops? A. Farmers use GM crops to protect against crop losses from insects, diseases and weeds. 1. For higher returns per acre through reduced losses to pests and improved crop quality from fewer impurities. 2. Reduced pesticide use, carbon footprint, and costs resultin...