GMO

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are primarily used in biological and medical research, production of pharmaceutical drugs, experimental medicine (e.g. gene therapy), but in recent years they have been a part of agricultural production (e.g. golden rice, resistance to herbicides). The term "genetically modified organism" does not always imply, but can include, targeted insertions of genes from one species into another.  This can be very useful in that some cells can be induced to produce substances that are wonderfully beneficial to man.  However, that benefit is being overshadowed by a misinterpretation of what is actually happening with GMOs in modern agriculture.

We have selectively bread species of animal or plant for centuries to express certain characteristics.  That manipulation in and of itself is genetic modification.  Bacon has the delicious proportion of fat and muscle through those manipulations.  There isn’t a geneticist out there producing a pig who’s fat produces maple syrup or making a tomato plant with the addictive qualities of cigarettes (i.e., Tomacco plants).

  That would be worth serious scrutiny.  No, what we have today is quite nefariously different.  We have companies who trademark the genetic sequence of certain plants as a way to corner the market on those commodities (soy beans, corn, etc…).  That is the vast majority of GMO food that is out there today AND it is relatively harmless.

What is more important than the call for labeling of GMOs, which in my opinion miss the mark and only cause potential trade barriers, is that these genetic patents on plants cause monopolies in the agricultural industry.  Those monopolies then dictate to their farmers what and where to plant.  Labeling isn’t the issue.  The issue is corporate welfare for agricultural companies trying to corner the market on our food supply.  That doesn’t require a label, but rather regulation.