Abstract
For thousands of years, crops and livestock with desirable characteristics have been grown and bred by humans. Changes in genetic make-up occur naturally between generations of plants and animals, and through selective breeding, resulting in the selection of traits favourable to our supply. Recently, technology has allowed us to genetically modify our food faster, but is it safe and how is this regulated?
What are GMOs?
Scientists are now able to identify and influence genes responsible for specific physical and metabolic traits.1 The process of transferring genes within or across species is called ‘genetic modification’. A ‘genetically modified organism’ (GMO) may be a plant, an animal, or a microorganism whose genetic make-up has been modified using biotechnology.
The first generation of GMOs were crops designed to have improved agronomic traits that were mainly of benefit to the farmer, such as increased resistance to herbicides, insects, disease or drought.2 Second generation GM crops have delivered more tangible benefits for consumers, such as improved food quality and increased nutrient bioavailability.3
GM crops represent a valuable means to address socio-economic challenges in an ever-changing world of growing global populations, climate change and, possibly, future food shortages. Micronutrient deficiency, for example, remains a significant public health issue, for which biofortified GM crops may provide part of the solution - particularly in malnourished populations.3
What are GMOs?
Scientists are now able to identify and influence genes responsible for specific physical and metabolic traits.1 The process of transferring genes within or across species is called ‘genetic modification’. A ‘genetically modified organism’ (GMO) may be a plant, an animal, or a microorganism whose genetic make-up has been modified using biotechnology.
The first generation of GMOs were crops designed to have improved agronomic traits that were mainly of benefit to the farmer, such as increased resistance to herbicides, insects, disease or drought.2 Second generation GM crops have delivered more tangible benefits for consumers, such as improved food quality and increased nutrient bioavailability.3
GM crops represent a valuable means to address socio-economic challenges in an ever-changing world of growing global populations, climate change and, possibly, future food shortages. Micronutrient deficiency, for example, remains a significant public health issue, for which biofortified GM crops may provide part of the solution - particularly in malnourished populations.3
| Original language | English (Ireland) |
|---|---|
| Type | Article for European Union Food Information Council |
| Media of output | Food Today |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
