Does GM corn deteriorate faster in storage than nonGM corn?

Expert response from Mary Mertz

Farmer

Friday, 31/07/2015 16:07

The quick answer to this is “no.” However, as a farmer that grows GMO corn, I can share a few positive realities with you.  First, let’s clarify that GMO or genetic engineering is simply one tool that grain farmers use in the production of their crops. The seeds we sow differ from non-genetically engineered seeds only by a microscopic gene trait that improves the plant in some way, whether by making it stronger to resist pests or drought, or making it more nutritional.

Second, when a plant is grown using genetically engineered seeds, the final product, the ear of corn, the pod of soybeans, is no different from the products derived by non-GMO methods.  However, since GMO corn is less likely to be invaded by insects or fungus, the ears might actually be bigger with less damage to the kernels within the husk.

Our corn, once harvested is taken to the local farm elevators where our grain is stored with everyone else’s.  Non-GMO and GMO alike are kept in the same silos because there is no difference between the two other than the growing method used.  As long as the grain is kept dry and insect-free it can remain in storage for a long time without any significant deterioration.  Proper storage is really the key in keeping the corn in good quality. Heat, moisture, and humidity affect grain regardless of whether it is GMO or non-GMO.

Expert response from Mary Mertz

Farmer

Friday, 31/07/2015 16:07

The quick answer to this is “no.” However, as a farmer that grows GMO corn, I can share a few positive realities with you.  First, let’s clarify that GMO or genetic engineering is simply one tool that grain farmers use in the production of their crops. The seeds we sow differ from non-genetically engineered seeds only by a microscopic gene trait that improves the plant in some way, whether by making it stronger to resist pests or drought, or making it more nutritional.

Second, when a plant is grown using genetically engineered seeds, the final product, the ear of corn, the pod of soybeans, is no different from the products derived by non-GMO methods.  However, since GMO corn is less likely to be invaded by insects or fungus, the ears might actually be bigger with less damage to the kernels within the husk.

Our corn, once harvested is taken to the local farm elevators where our grain is stored with everyone else’s.  Non-GMO and GMO alike are kept in the same silos because there is no difference between the two other than the growing method used.  As long as the grain is kept dry and insect-free it can remain in storage for a long time without any significant deterioration.  Proper storage is really the key in keeping the corn in good quality. Heat, moisture, and humidity affect grain regardless of whether it is GMO or non-GMO.