What is the difference between a Genetically Modified Organism and a Non-Genetically Modified Organism? Are they safe for consumers? Those questions have been debated for over two decades.
Growers have been planting genetically modified seeds since the 1990s because they can reduce crop damage from weeds, diseases, insects and adverse weather conditions. Jeremy Brown grows both organic and GMO products and said the only difference in the products is the production practices he uses on the fields.
“The American farmer, whether they’re an organic farmer or non-organic farmer, does a great job of providing a safe and sustainable food and fiber product for the American people,” Brown said. “I know the practices I use in organic production and non organic production and I know they’re safe. People have done research about GMO and organic products and based on science they cannot find any difference.”
An organic crop production requires more time and labor spent in the field because the only form of weed management is tillage or going out there and manually removing the weeds from the fields.
GMOs, while just as safe, can help growers eliminate some of the uncertainty that comes with farming because they can use herbicides in weed management. They also do not have to spray as much for pests.
“Sometimes people forget the risk that comes with growing crops,” Brown said. “There is insects that like to eat the crops and that is where the new introduction of GMO technology has allowed us to eliminate some of those risks.”
Brown said he he just hopes he can meet the demands for food and fiber products and provide safe and healthy choices for consumers. He said his best advice to anyone deciding between buying organic products and genetically modified products is to do research and find science based information to help you make those purchasing decisions.
