With an ever-growing global population, questions about food security become more pressing. Traditional means of food production are falling short world-wide, and people are beginning to turn towards scientists for ways to increase the global food supply. One of the most popular, yet controversial answers provided is the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

While the name may sound intimidating, GMOs refer to any organism whose DNA has been altered using rapidly advancing gene editing techniques. The exact science behind altering DNA is incredibly complicated but, for those without a PhD, gene editing works by altering the cellular makeup of an organism to produce a desired trait (Raman, 2020). In the case of genetically modified crops, this is most often used to increase the size of plants, their resistance to climate/pests, or their overall taste/appearance.

Gene editing technology may be a new concept, but humans have been modifying crops for thousands of years in the form of selective breeding. The science behind selective breeding was not popularized until the punnett square and the discovery of genes, but it has occurred in history since humanity began to farm. Crops that were stronger, tastier, or more desirable to consumers had their seeds used to plant the next year’s yield (Raman, 2020). The science was unknown, but early farmers were the first humans to begin the process of creating GMOs. 

Despite our collective history of modifying crops, modern GMOs do come with their fair share of concerns. It is almost indisputable that using GMOs is a sure-fast way to increase crop yields and food supply, while also likely reducing land use devoted to agriculture (Hilbeck et. al, 2015). While that is certainly a step in the right direction, some people remain uncomfortable with the idea of scientists altering the very DNA of crops designed for human consumption. Worries about potential increases in cancer and unknown consequences for future generations have been raised (Hilbeck et. al, 2015).

Given the severity of the topic, much research about the long term effects of GMOs has been done and remains ongoing. It is likely there will be no universal consensus regarding their safety for quite some time, though the World Health Organization does state that all currently genetically modified foods have passed safety assessments and are safe for consumption (WHO, 2020). The massive upside of the production of GMOs will continue to fuel the debate, as they are perhaps the best solution currently to the global food crisis. While current GMOs are generally considered safe, a constantly developing technology will require much oversight from governments and non-government organizations alike. 

Written by Avery Sherffius

References

Food, Genetically modified. (n.d.). Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/food-genetically-modified

Hilbeck, A., Binimelis, R., Defarge, N., Steinbrecher, R., Székács, A., Wickson, F., . . . Wynne, B. (2015). No scientific consensus on GMO safety. Environmental Sciences Europe, 27(1). doi:10.1186/s12302-014-0034-1

Raman, R. (2020, July 02). GMOs: Pros and Cons, Backed by Evidence. Retrieved September 17, 2020, from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gmo-pros-and-cons