What is a GMO? Genes are the part in the cell of a living organism which contain the "blueprint" for its specific character traits. Genetic Engineering involves taking genes from one organism and inserting them into another in an attempt to transfer a desired trait or character. The result is a genetically modified or transgenic organism different from the original in that it contains the desired character trait. For example, selecting a gene which leads to the production of a chemical with antifreeze properties from an arctic fish (such as the flounder) and splicing it into a tomato or strawberry in an attempt to make it frost-resistant.

Why make GMO? The world population continues to expand, but the area of land available for food production is limited. If predicted population is to be adequately fed, then food production must be increased. With genetic engineering there is a powerful potential to increase the yields from existing food production areas and possibly to grow crops in regions of the world where agriculture is nearly impossible or marginal at best.

How widespread are GMO? Genetic engineering and biotechnology has made tremendous advances within the last decade. It is now possible for plants, and animals, to be engineered with genes taken from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. Genetically modified crops have been grown commercially in over 40 countries and 6 continents. In the year 2000 alone, some 44.2 million hectares were planted to transgenic crops, the principal ones being herbicide and insecticide resistant soybeans, corn, cotton and canola. Other crops grown commercially or field-tested are a sweet potato resistant to a virus that could decimate African harvest, rice with increased iron and vitamins that may alleviate chronic malnutrition in Asian countries, and a variety of tomato plants able to survive extreme cold weather.

On the pipeline are bananas that produce human vaccines against infectious diseases such as hepatitis; fish that mature more quickly, e.g. salmon that matures in half a year instead of one year; fruit and nut trees that yield years earlier; plants that produce new fibers with unique properties; chicken that does not grow any feathers. There are also rice and wheat varieties with increased salt tolerance that enable them to be grown in areas previously regarded as unsuitable for planting.

What are the issues about GMO? Despite its promise, however, technologies for genetically modified animals and crops also pose some risks. Controversies surrounding genetically modified food and crops commonly focus on human and environmental safety; labeling and consumer choice; intellectual property rights e.g. domination of world food production by a few companies; increasing dependence on industrialized nations by developing countries; biopiracy - foreign exploitation of natural resources; ethics; food security; and environmental conservation.

Because consumers want the right to know and to choose their food, genetically engineered food must be segregated and labeled appropriately. For some people, the main issue is not whether genetically engineered food is safe or not, but the fact that it is unnatural and unnecessary.

There is growing evidence that genetic engineering poses new hazard to ecosystems, with the potential to threaten biodiversity, wildlife and truly sustainable forms of agriculture. Critics of the technology argue that once genetically modified organisms have been released into the environment they may transfer their characteristics to other organisms and can never be recalled or contained. The balance of nature and biodiversity of wildlife will be severely affected as a result of changes in the food chain, competition and available habitats.

Which countries propagate GMO? In the year 2000, countries that grew 99% of the global transgenic crops were the United States (68%), Argentina (23%), Canada (7%), and China (1%). Although the growth in areas planted to transgenic crops is expected to level off in industrialized countries, it is increasing in developing countries. But most other countries, both producers and retailers of traditional food crops, are opposed to genetically engineered food products due to concerns on its long-term effect on humans and the environment.