The Compatibility of GMOs to Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, offer opportunities to support sustainable agriculture. GM technology can be harnessed so that crops, rather than the farm environment, are altered to suit their surroundings. Experience with GM crops shows promising trends. Recent studies indicate that GM crops substantially reduce pesticide use and the incidence of pesticide poisoning on farms. Farmers have rapidly adopted GM crops due to their perceived economic benefits. Compared with the application of pesticides, Bt crops promote more biodiversity. Herbicide-tolerant crops reduce the need for soil cultivation. The current practice of transferring a single trait into as many popular varieties as possible ensures crop diversity at the farm level. In the pipeline are GMOs designed to grow better in existing environments with fewer or zero inputs. Naturally occurring microbes and viruses are being engineered to help crops and aquaculture species fend off pathogens and pests without negatively affecting other components of the ecosystem. However, public sector R&D must be fully supported to develop environment-friendly crops suitable for stressed environments where most farmers operate and to ensure the safety of GM technology. Public education and information about biotechnology must also be enhanced to support biotechnology R&D and the diffusion of GM technology.

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