GMOs Are they good for us or bad for us?

History of GMOs 1980 – The first GMO patent is approved – The FDA approves Genetically Modified ecoli to produce insulin 1994 – Flavr Savr Tomato is first GMO to appear in grocery stores 1996 – GMO-Resistant Weeds The first weeds to be resistant to GMO produced pesticides are found in Australia

What Are GMOs? GMOs are genetically modified organisms Genes, organisms and vectors

Benefits Improved crop yields, resistance to disease, resistance to draught or too much rain

Concerns Regulation is done by GMO companies GMOs are relatively new first GMO crop was 21 years ago Farmers must purchase new seeds each year Some GMOs increase pesticide resistance and use currently 61.2 million acres of cropland are resistant to roundup a GMO tolerant pesticide

Global Problems and GMOs Global Warming means the south west of the U.S. will experience greater draught while the north east and mid west will experience greater rainfall The demands for food are expected to rise 30% by 2050 as global populations increase UN predicts world population of 9.6 billion in 2050

Reasons for Controversy GMO patents are troubling patent a food GMO crosses a line with nature “Franken food” Lack of unbiased studies

Recommendations Better regulation for GMO approval Better understanding of GMOs by public GMOs are the best choice for handling global problems, and they can be best addressed by improving oversight and long term study Avoid use of pesticide producing GMOs or with better oversight Labeling of GMOs so people can avoid pesticide producing GMOs and GMOs immune to pesticide

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