Do You Know… What Are Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)?

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated (Genetically Modified, or GM) in a laboratory through Genetic Engineering (GE). This creates combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. Most GMOs have been engineered to withstand the direct application of herbicide and/or to produce an insecticide. However, new “Biotechnologies” are being developed to artificially create other traits, such as a resistance to browning in apples. According to GMOAnswers.com, the following GM crops, along with date of introduction, are currently available in the market: • Squash, 1995 • Cotton, 1996 • Soybean, 1995 • Corn, 1996 • Papaya, 1997 • Alfalfa, 2006 • Sugar beets, 2006 • Canola, 1999 • Potato, 2016 • Apples, 2017