I was very interested to read the other day that the debate on genetically modified organisms may once again be entering the lime light. A few years ago there was introduced a ban on the growing of GMO’s crops in certain areas of Australia. It seems that the time span covered under this ban may be coming to an end and once again the debate is entering the media.

So what are GMO’s and why is there so much concern by certain members of the community?

GMO’s are organisms such as plants or animals that have had their genetic material or DNA, altered in some way in an effort to improve the quality of the beneficial or commercial feature of that organism, eg meat, drought resistance, yields etc.  For example, crops such as wheat, sorghum etc may be genetically improved to be more resistant to diseases or drought. Or they can be genetically engineered to have higher yields or improved flavour etc. So you may think well what is wrong with that.? Really there is nothing wrong, as such improvements in the plant quality means use of less harmful chemicals in the form of pesticides and fertilizers and there are less water requirements, which is fairly important in our current times of drought.

Man has been improving the quality of crop plants and animals for years by natural selection of the best varieties or species and cross breeding with others to produce better quality features. The use of genetic engineering techniques means the process is sped up and new varieties can be produced much more rapidly for the benefit of all.

On one hand there is the concern of many, especially organic producers, that the genetic identity and viability of many existing species will be lost, if they become crossed or contaminated by GMOs. As pollen can spread many miles by the wind and birds, there is the risk that adjoining organic crops may become contaminated by GMOs and as under the organic certification regulations, such genetic modification is not permitted.

It is the belief of many, that if such organisms or plants are introduced and grown on a wide spread basis, then they will contaminate the genetic purity of crops grown at this time. As the monopoly or control of these GMO crops is by large corporations who would have control over the pricing and supply of such seeds or plant material, there is understandingly a large concern in the public.

As such, one can understand the concern of many, not just the organic growers, as it can lead to the loss of the genetic diversity in many food crops which would then allow a certain number of seed companies to have total control over world food supplies.