Even though first-generation genetically modified (GM) agricultural crops have faced significant setbacks and outright failures over the last two decades, a new push for second-generation GM crops has emerged. Despite the destructive role of industrial agricultural expansion in biodiversity loss and human health, we are seeing a resurgence in its momentum, with false solutions such as these being offered. This has been accompanied by propaganda that perpetuates the narrative that GM crops are needed for food security.
Their ongoing promotion raises questions about the motivations behind their introduction and highlights the need for critical research into the implications of these biotechnologies.
Download and read some of the fact sheets we’ve published over the last 20 years on GM crops.
Since farming began, people have worked with nature to breed plants and animals to meet human needs. Usually this breeding can only happen within the same species. In the last 30 years, scientists have used genetic engineering to create plants and animals with novel characteristics.
The biotechnology industry has spread many myths about what GMOs can do. These are not based on fact and have been shown to be false in reality. Myths we often hear include: GMOs decrease pesticide use; they have massively increased yield potential; and have been thoroughly tested for safety.
Anyone who has heard of GM crops has also heard that Africa must accept them or face starvation. This is a highly emotional argument, however, when we look into the past two decades, we find GM technology benefits its developers, while farmers and society pay the price.
Monsanto is one of the most powerful players in the global seed business today, wielding a lot of power over agricultural policy and practice. How did a company that started out by making chemicals for warfare, gain control of our food?
It was only in 1999 that the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act came into force. At that early stage, civil society was only starting to learn about the issues. Therefore, government relied on experts from the biotechnology industry to draft the laws. The result is a flawed GMO Act.
It is a consumer’s right to know what is in their food and to make informed choices about what they eat. Yet, South Africans have been eating genetically modified food for more than a decade without their knowledge. The roducers say these foods are perfectly safe, but many scientists disagree.
According to the biotechnology industry, genetically modified cotton has made a significant contribution to improving smallholder farmer livelihoods in SA. However, reports from the ground tell of social upheaval, heavy debts, poor quality produce, and environmental and health problems.
We have been told that genetically modified (GM) crops are the answer to world hunger, but the majority of GM maize is not grown for food. It is grown mostly for animal feed and shipped around the world by massive agricultural commodity trading companies.
The four major GM crops growing in the world today are soya, maize, cotton, and canola. The most commonly grown is soya, making up almost half of all GM crops grown around the world. This soya has been genetically engineered to survive applications of herbicides.
We don’t yet fully understand the potential risks of growing and eating genetically modified (GM) foods. However, scientists have already begun to see early warning signals of health and environmental problems. Therefore, special laws are required to regulate GM foods.
