Ava Fonss, Editor-in-Chief
@afonsscourant
During a trip to almost any American grocery store, shoppers encounter hundreds of products advertised as being free from genetically modified ingredients. Widespread opposition to the concept of engineered food has caused many companies to seek the highly-coveted “Non-GMO Project Verified” seal, giving shoppers assurance that they are consuming only the best of products. But what do these labels really mean, and why do they have such a strong hold on consumers?
Genetic engineering in the food industry has faced a barrage of criticism since its introduction in the 1990s. While some opponents cite an insufficient testing process, others have spoken out against genetically modified ingredients simply because they seem unnatural. Safety concerns, however, do not align with the general consensus of the scientific community; in fact, a 2014 study by the Pew Research center revealed that 88 percent of scientists support the conclusion that GMOs are safe for consumption, in comparison to a mere 37 percent of American adults.
Currently, genetic modification provides the growing world population with a stable and environmentally-efficient food source. A study by agricultural researchers at Purdue University found that eliminating all GMOs in the United States’ agricultural industry would result in an average yield decline of 11.2 percent for corn, 5.2 percent for soybeans, and 18.6 percent for cotton. Additionally, these declines would require the conversion of 102,000 hectares of U.S. forest and pasture into cropland.
Along with land conversion come severe environmental consequences. Clearing forests for agricultural purposes increases greenhouse gas emissions by releasing carbon stored in trees and soil. Therefore, by preventing the use of genetic modification in agriculture and increasing the amount of land needed to support the world population, we are both reducing agricultural efficiency and further contributing to humanity’s negative impact on the planet.
Reduced crop yields also cause a rise in consumer prices, and as food insecurity becomes an increasingly prominent issue, consumers cannot continue to promote the complete rejection of GMOs in the market. According to the Purdue University study, the elimination of GMOs could cause as much as a 28 percent price increase for corn, and a 1-2 percent increase in food prices overall, and, as reported by Feeding America, more than 38 million people in the United States are currently considered food insecure. Hence, higher prices in grocery stores are not what Americans need.
In order to ensure a sustainable and secure future, we must be willing to take advantage of the exceptional power that genetic engineering provides for the agricultural industry. By increasing crop yield, reducing land usage, and lowering food costs, the benefits of genetic modification are apparent. Fully implementing these benefits, however, may not be possible if consumer rejection and fear persist.
