What They Don’t Want to Tell You About Genetically Modified Crops and Foods

Claire Robinson

The public is constantly told that genetically modified (GM) crops and foods are needed to feed the world’s growing population and to meet the challenges that face farmers – climate change as well as pests and diseases. It is claimed that GM crops will make agriculture more sustainable, giving higher yields, reducing pesticide use, and providing more nutritious food. GM foods are said to be as safe as non-GM foods.

But these claims are at best questionable and at worst false. There is no GM crop or food that has sustainably delivered the hyped benefits. At best, GM crops have performed no better than non-GM crops. At worst, they have introduced new risks into food and farming or exacerbated existing problems. Studies point to potential and actual harm to animal and human health and the environment from GM crops and the foods derived from them. But often this evidence does not reach the public and is buried under a deluge of exaggerated claims generated by a well-funded pro-GM lobby.