WHAT IS A GMO?
A GMO is a genetically modified organism. This is an organism whose genetic material has been altered through the insertion of DNA from another organism into its own genome. This results in the presence of traits that would not naturally appear in that particular species. The ultimate goal of genetic modification is to introduce beneficial traits into an organism in order to improve it.
Plants are one of the primary focuses of genetic modification. GM crops are becoming more prevalent in the United States and around the world due to their growing potential for improving the health and welfare of society. Just a few of the myriad of benefits that can be provided by genetic modification include:
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food with enhanced taste and nutritional value
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reduced need for pesticides
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disease resistant crops
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the creation of biopharmaceuticals
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greater crop yield (and thus greater food production)
To learn more about these benefits and more, check out the pages on BENEFITS in the menu at the top of the page.
Despite having a major impact in the agricultural industry, many people do not know much about what GMOs truly are. GMOs are portrayed in many ways, some true and others not. Check out the video below to learn about what the GMO is in reality.
