Frequently Asked Questions
What is genetic modification?
Genetic modification (also known as genetic engineering) is a new process used by scientists to force the exchange of genes across species barriers, a process that does not occur in nature, in order to impart a desired trait. For example, scientists altered all of the GM crops that are currently being widely sold (soy, corn, cotton, and canola) by injecting them with genes from various soil bacteria, so they resist herbicide (i.e. Roundup) and/or produce their own insecticide (Bt).Most of these crops have been genetically engineered by Monsanto Corporation. The American Farm Bureau, which has financial ties to Monsanto Corporation, has promoted genetic engineering in agriculture, even though farmers have experienced negative financial impacts as a result. U.S. government farm subsidies, funded by U.S. taxpayers, have increased three to five billion dollars annually to cover these financial losses.
What are the health risks of GMOs?
Scientists are concerned, because research shows that genetically modified foods may cause health problems, including possible allergies, toxicity, antibiotic resistance, nutritional problems, and cancer. Because GM foods are not labeled, any health problems or death associated with them would be difficult, if not impossible, to trace. In addition, genetically modified crops being grown to produce pharmaceuticals or industrial chemicals could contaminate or get mixed in with food crops, leading to additional serious health problems.Related links:
Genetically Engineered Food Safety Problems
Dangers of Genetically Engineered Foods
Are There Human Genes in Your Food?
What are the environmental risks?
Genetically modified crops may create many irreversible problems in the environment, including contamination of non-GM crops and plants, loss of biodiversity, pollen poisoning of beneficial insects, and increased use of herbicides and pesticides, resulting in "superweeds," "superbugs," and soil infertility. "Superweeds" threaten to take over farms and natural areas, displacing native plant varieties and destroying wild plant habitats. "Superbugs" would result in the use of different and more powerful insecticides.Related links:
Why is Release of Transgenic Crops into the Environment a Risk?
Environmental Hazards of Genetically Engineered Plants
Herbicide-resistant Weed Plagues California
What are the risks to farmers and producers?
Companies that develop genetically modified crops aggressively market their potential benefits to farmers without informing them of the risks and liabilities. As a result, farmers who have planted GMOs have had unexpected economic losses, due to lost domestic and foreign markets, lower prices, lower yields, crop failures, lawsuits, and product recalls. In addition, contamination of conventional and organic crops by GM pollen and volunteer organisms has reduced their value, resulting in economic loss.Related Links:
Californians for GE-Free Agriculture: Resources for Farmers
GE Will Not Protect Grapes From Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter
Genetic Engineering is Risky Business for California Wine Industry
How are GM foods a consumer rights issue?
Polls reveal that less than a third of Americans realize they are eating genetically modified food on a regular basis & that most Americans would prefer not to consume GM food given the choice; that the more people learn about GMOs, the less they trust them; and that 94% of Americans would like GM foods labeled. Because GM foods are not labeled, it is nearly impossible for consumers to avoid eating them. In addition, due to the contamination of conventional and organic crops, and as new varieties of GM crops are introduced, consumers' choices will continue to diminish as time goes on, if this trend continues.Related links:
The Campaign
U.S. Opinion Polls On Genetically Engineered Food
What government regulations are needed?
Mandatory labeling of GMOs Mandatory safety tests on GMOs done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or by an independent body of scientists Environmental impact analysis and statement done by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) or by an independent body of scientists Full disclosure of all known risks by the developer of the technology to the farmer or producer Clarification that the developer assumes all liability for any failures of the technology, including pollen contamination, not the farmer/producer Permanent ban on all pharmaceutical and industrial crops being grown in open fields and on using commonly eaten foods for their production Related link:
Congressman Kucinich's Genetically Engineered Regulatory Framework of 2006
What can I do?
Know which GM crops have been commercialized and are widely planted and sold-- soy (89%), cotton (83%), canola (65%), and corn (61%). Avoid processed foods, 75% of which contain one of the above ingredients (or a derivative, such as soybean, corn, canola or cottonseed oil, corn syrup, soy lecithin, etc.) Buy organic food and beverages, which cannot be GM by definition.Support our local, certified organic farmers and growers! Use our shopper's guide to buy foods that are not genetically modified and do not contain any GM ingredients. Write to Representative Mike Thompson to request that he sponsor federal legislation to mandate the labeling and safety testing of genetically engineered foods. Write to the Assembly Agriculture Committee to request its support for AB 541, a state bill to protect California farmers from genetic contamination caused by genetically engineered crops. Stay current on what is happening with the GM issue by signing up for the GM Watch and the Californians for GE-Free Agriculture's free e-newsletters. Read the book, Seeds of Deception, the international best-seller that describes the health risks of GMOs and the politics behind their approval. Watch the documentary,"Future of Food", about the impact of GM crops on farmers and the environment, and how a few corporations are consolidating ownership over our food supply. Show it to your friends and family. Watch the documentary, "A Silent Forest", about the environmental and health risks of GM trees. Show it to your friends and family.