GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMOs)
Published on October 11, 2001

What are GMOs?

At present, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a serious issue of debate in countries around the world. The debate over GMOs has been separated into two distinct sides. Anti-GMO supporters fight to rid the world's food system of GMOs in order to protect society against the possible long-term damages GMOs could cause. Pro-GMO supporters believe that promotion of research and development will ensure sustainable agriculture and feed starving peoples. What side do you choose?

It is important to begin by dissecting the issue scientifically. Therefore, let's begin with a series of definitions.

A Brief History of GMOs

The concept of altering an organism's genes for human benefit goes back over 20,000 years with selective breeding of deer, antelope and sheep. Ten thousand years ago societies were reportedly modifying strains of wheat for cultivation. Farmers have long crossed plants displaying favorable traits in order to produce an improved hybrid. Consequently, almost all of the food that is eaten today is no longer from genetically pure species. Dr. Harry Klee, a professor of horticultural sciences at the University of Florida who does research on genetic modification, says gene-splicing technology was developed in the United States of America around 1983.

Modern biotechnology is based on our understanding of biology at the level of genes, which determine the code that tells living things how to grow and develop. It includes genetic engineering, cloning, and other advanced technologies.

Medical uses

Biotechnology is best known within the area of pharmaceuticals, where it has a proven record of providing advance medicines to improve human health. One renowned example, aiding diabetics around the world, is insulin. Other medical uses include prosepteran for breast cancer, not infallible, but nevertheless, about the best prescription on the market at the moment. Biotechnology is used to manufacture human growth hormones to cure individuals with serious growth problems, such as midgets.

Agricultural uses

In 1996, economically significant amounts of GE food crops were first grown in the world. Most of them were planted in the USA. By 1999 33% of US corn (maize) acres, 44% of soybean acres and 55% of cotton acres were planted with GE seed.

In the area of agriculture, the growth of GMO plants and seeds has been remarkable. Sales grew from 20 million dollars in 1994 to 405 million dollars in 1997. That is annual growth rate between 1994 and 1997 of 173 percent. With the change in receptiveness that has taken place, forecasted growth for 1997 to 2002 is expected to only reach 38 percent, as the seeds of uncertainty rouse public inquiry about biotechnology.