Outline the principles for making GMOs?

Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Monday, 02/12/2013 21:00

To learn more about how GMOs are created, check out our “Explore the Basics” section. You might be interested in viewing this video which describes the development of the GM Hawaiian Papaya. You might also be interested in viewing the Seattle Times’ informative infographic outlining the “ABCs of GMOs.”
 

You may also be interested in a recent response by Kevin Folta, Interim Chair and Associate Professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, which describes in detail the process by which genes are altered in foods. His response, available here, also includes an infographic which depicts the different methods of plant breeding.
 

As for why we develop GMOs, please take a look at the five core principles of GMO Answers. We have made a commitment to providing the best tools to farmers in order to help them produce nutritious food with more efficient use of resources and less harm to the environment ­ and that includes respecting farmers’ rights to choose the seeds that are best for their farms, businesses and communities. Our five core principles are included below:
 

The members and partners of GMO Answers commit to five core principles:
 

1. Respecting people around the world and their right to choose healthy food products that are best for themselves and their families;
2. Welcoming and answering questions on all GMO topics;
3. Making GMO information, research and data easy to access and evaluate and supporting safety testing of GM products;  including allowing independent safety testing of our products through validated science-based methods;
4. Supporting farmers as they work to grow crops using precious resources more efficiently, with less impact on the environment and producing safe, nutritious food and feed products;
5. Respecting farmers¹ rights to choose the seeds that are best for their farms, businesses and communities and providing seed choices that include non-GM seeds based on market demands.

If you have additional questions after reviewing these resources, please ask.