Genetically Modified Organism GMO - Myths and Truths

Summary

The video discusses the widespread use of genetically engineered crops in the American food supply, focusing on the promises and potential risks. While biotech companies claim benefits like increased yields and reduced pesticide use, the video highlights concerns about environmental damage, pesticide resistance, and health risks linked to glyphosate. It argues that genetic engineering does not solve climate change or hunger and stresses the lack of independent safety studies. The video urges viewers to support Proposition 37, advocating for GMO labeling and consumer choice in California.

Takeaways

• 🌽 Genetically engineered crops make up nearly 90% of major crops like corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets in the U.S.
• 🧬 Genetic engineering is different from natural breeding and involves inserting foreign genes into plants in an uncontrolled process, which can cause unexpected changes.
• ⚠️ Genetically engineered crops may lead to poor crop performance, changes in nutritional content, and toxic or allergenic effects, as well as environmental harm.
• 🧪 Despite claims, genetic engineering has not reduced pesticide use but instead increased the use of herbicides like glyphosate, which has harmful environmental effects.
• 🔍 Glyphosate, promoted by companies like Monsanto, is classified as dangerous for the environment by the European Union and is linked to the rise of superweeds.
• 📉 Genetically engineered crops do not increase crop yield potential and may harm soil quality by depleting natural nutrients and organisms.
• 🦋 Pesticide use in genetically engineered crops has contributed to environmental problems like the decline of monarch butterfly populations and plant diseases such as sudden death syndrome (SDS).
• 🌍 Genetic engineering has not proven to be a solution to climate change, as it does not improve crops' tolerance to extreme weather conditions.
• 🍽️ Genetically modified crops have not contributed to solving world hunger; instead, resource allocation and natural breeding methods are more effective.
• ❌ There is no conclusive safety assessment of GMOs, with regulatory bodies relying on data from biotech companies that stand to profit from GM crops, and independent research on GMOs faces significant challenges.

Q & A

What is the current extent of genetically engineered crops in the American food supply?

Almost ninety percent of crops like corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets grown in the United States are now genetically modified.

What are the claims made by promoters of genetic engineering regarding its benefits?

Promoters claim that genetic engineering promises increased crop yields, lower costs for farmers, and reduced use of herbicides.

How does genetic engineering differ from natural breeding methods?

Genetic engineering is a laboratory-based technique where a foreign gene is inserted into the DNA of the plant, which is a random process and may potentially damage the plant's genetic makeup, unlike natural breeding methods.

What are the potential risks associated with genetic engineering?

Potential risks include poor crop performance, alteration in food and nutritional content, toxic and allergenic effects, and unforeseen harm to the environment.

Does genetic engineering reduce the use of pesticides and herbicides?

No, the proliferation of genetically engineered Roundup Ready crops has led to an increase in the amount of pesticides and herbicides used.

What has been the impact of glyphosate, a key herbicide used with genetically engineered crops?

Glyphosate, classified by the European Union as dangerous for the environment, is not biodegradable and has led to the increase of glyphosate-resistant super weeds, requiring the use of stronger pesticides.

How does genetic engineering affect crop yield potential?

Genetically engineered crops do not increase intrinsic yield and can have the opposite effect by depleting soil quality and killing natural nutrients necessary for plant development.

What are the environmental implications of genetically engineered crops?

Increased pesticide and herbicide use can affect wildlife and non-pest insect populations, contributing to the decline in monarch butterfly populations in North America and potentially killing both GMO and non-GMO plants.

Does genetic engineering help solve climate change?

Genetic engineering does not help solve climate change as it does not address tolerance to extreme weather conditions and genetically engineered crops consume massive amounts of energy.

Can genetic engineering eliminate world hunger?

No, genetic engineering does not protect the security of our food supply and solve world hunger. Food security can be addressed by natural breeding methods which give birth to efficient super crops.

What is the status of safety assessments and labeling of GMOs?

Most regulatory assessments on GMOs are based on data provided by biotech companies. Over 50 countries have passed GMO labeling laws and crop restrictions, but the US FDA does not have a mandatory safety assessment process for GMOs.

What is the position of the US regulatory system on genetically engineered foods?

The US regulatory system, including the FDA, EPA, and USDA, ensures that GMOs are safe for human, plant, and animal health. The FDA uses its food safety authority to oversee the safety of foods, including those derived from GE crops, under a voluntary consultation process.