Question
What's the most beneficial impact of GM food for agriculture?
Submitted by: Christina Holmes
Answer
Expert response from Katie Pratt
Farmer, Illinois
Wednesday, 03/21/2018 17:58
Quite simply, genetically modified crops have given us farmers the ability to do more with less. On our farm we have seen a decrease in use of fuel because we are not in our fields as much; our pesticide use has decreased. We have been able to incorporate cover crops, no-till and other conservation methods more freely because we've been able to control weed, pest and disease pressure better with genetically modified seed.
Moving forward, I see genetically modified crops providing more direct benefits to consumers. For example progress in solving the citrus greening and banana wilt virus issues on farms means we can continue to enjoy our morning glass of orange juice and a banana. Other advancements that help us preserve food longer (i.e. the Arctic Apple) will help to reduce food waste. This technology combined with our focus on reducing food insecurity will certainly benefit us all in the long run.
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