The Use and Safety of Gmos from a Skeptical Point of View

This article focuses on the fact that we have been attacking GMOs for the wrong reasons. Two decades of studies show no link to any ridiculous claims that contribute autism and cancer to GMO consumption. The author states that they are “probably” as safe to eat as non-GMO foods but that we have been the guinea pigs. The way they have been tested is by being released in the market with the hope that nothing bad would happen. GMOs are seemingly healthful to eat and there are no signs of any risks as of now. However, that does not mean that the new versions of GMO crops that are currently being worked on will be safe as well.

Before GMOs were introduced, Western European farmers had equal or better crop yields of crops such as corn, canola and sugar beets than the U.S. With the use of genetically modified seeds, little has happened to close this gap. The pesticide use has the same story. While insecticide use has declined in both North America and Europe, it has had a greater decrease in Europe. Overall pesticide use, including both insecticide and herbicide, has decreased in Europe but risen in North America due to the increased use of herbicide. The article raises the point that we should be skeptical of GMOs, not because they are making us sick but because they bring no benefit to the farmer or eater, all while giants like Monsanto and Bayer make billions.

This article raises similar points that seem to center the discussion of pesticides and GMOs. One of the key points is the fact that we are still competing with Europe over crop production and yield. Being the powerful, wealthy and advantageous country that we are, we should have had no problem in closing our gap with Europe, that is, if GMO companies had our best interests at hand. The seeming truth is that Monsanto was aware that they would make money, weather their plan to serve a growing population and decrease pesticide use worked or not. It is up to the people to boycott these brands and hope that farmers will return to using natural crops because they have realized no benefits from GMOs.