What are GMO’s? Should I Be for Them or Against Them?
Yes, today I’m talking about GMO’s. I know this is a “taboo” subject, but I feel like it needs to be talked about.
I grew up in south Florida and was 100% confident that GMO’s were bad and horrible … and then I moved to Iowa. I love living in Iowa and I’m learning all about farming. I’m seeing things I have never seen in my life and I can now even tell you the difference between a tractor and combine.
That’s a combine. It’s what picks the corn for the farmer. Living in a farming community has exposed me to a whole new world. And guess what, most of the farmers I have met have a completely different view on GMO’s.
I have to admit that even though I knew GMO’s were bad I did not know why or how to explain why I believed it. I was pretty sure that it had something to do with chemicals.
This Jimmy Kimmel clip on GMO’s made me giggle and describes my understanding before I moved to the Midwest.
It turns out that genetically modifying something is basically trying to bring out certain traits for a better product. I mean we do that with dogs (Labradoodles, Cockapoo, Schnoodle, etc) although they’re called hybrids or designer breeds.
The example that really hit home for me was about weeds. I tried to start my very first garden this year and thought I might have to pull a weed or two. Boy was I surprised when I went to pull weeds the first time. There are so many and they grow so fast! A non GMO will have weeds. You pull the weeds so that they don’t steal nutrients from the actual plant.
Farmer after farmer explain that the use of genetically modified (GM) ingredients is not only safe for people and our planet, but also has a number of important benefits. They’ve been working with them for 20 years plus. With farming being their source of income I can’t see them wanting to put out a bad product especially the ones I’ve met. If they thought GMO’s were dangerous I don’t think they’d plant it or eat it.
Ingredients grown using GM technology require fewer pesticides, less water and keep production costs down. In fact, GM technology helps reduce the price of crops used for food, such as corn, soybeans and sugar beets.
GM technology allows farmers to use fewer chemicals, such as pesticides. It also helps them utilize more environmentally friendly planting techniques that cut down on soil erosion, greenhouse gas emissions and water use. In fact organic and non GMO takes more tillage, more energy, and much more time and work. All which is bad for the environment.
That’s me on my first combine ride.
This was all new to me. So, am I pro GMO or anti GMO? Honestly, I don’t know. I do see both sides – now. And that’s my point. I didn’t know what I was against. I realized that I didn’t have the full information. I eat both GMO and non GMO and I really don’t take a firm stance on either side. The firm stance I’m taking in this argument and any other is know your facts. I was dead set that they were awful and couldn’t tell you why.
You can be for or against GMO’s and I have no problem with that as long as you’ve researched both sides. If you’re going to take a stand, know what it is you’re defending so you can talk logically with others.
What do you think? I love comments, but will not tolerate rudeness towards others. Comments from both sides are welcomed as long as they are respectful.
I guess we all believe what we hear to some extent until we’re right there on the home front. I understand the benefits of GMOs, but they’re not “NECESSARY”. Real food should not be altered. Then again, thanks to your post I now understand the benefits. I’m a little torn. It looks like I’m going to have to do a bunch more research. I really appreciate this post. I hardly see anyone advocating both sides.
Thanks so much for your comment. That’s really what I wanted to show was that there were two sides and before choosing a side one should study both of those sides. FL and IA have VERY different views and I’m learning to ask a lot more questions before forming my opinions.
I will never be pro-GMO.The Roundup alone is toxic.It also makes weeds resistant over time.You can’t compare selective breeding in lets say dogs (which is natural it occurs in nature) to replacing DNA in wheat to fish or tomato dna for example and expect it to be as nutritious and healthy as the original.This does not occur in nature.It’s way different than selective breeding.Please do more extensive research.
Thank you so much for clearing up a few questions that I had on this exact topic!
I have no agricultural background either. It’s been fascinating to learn from all types of farmers living in Iowa. I like your point that we should know why we hold the beliefs that we do. And to be respectful!
What a great perspective, Donna! Thank you so much for taking the time to go out and conduct your own research and write a well-informed, thoughtful post about this very divisive issue. We all have a responsibility to educate ourselves on how our food is raised, and part of that process includes studying all sides of the story rather than jumping to conclusions after hearing a snippet of scary news. We can choose to live in fear, or we can empower ourselves gathering knowledge from research-based sources and from talking with the folks raising the food. Have questions about farming practices? Ask a farmer! We’re happy to talk about what we do on our farms and why. We want safe food just like everyone else!
good for you Donna! For researching GMOs, continuing to learn and opening up intelligent conversation. Thanks for a positive article on farmers!
Family farmer & mom from Nebraska
Excellent post! I absolutely love how you have done your research and know your stuff! I really wish everyone could be more educated on GMO’s. Many people really are against them but when you ask them why they can’t answer you. I would never be offended if someone had the opinion they are bad IF they can give me a reason as to why they think so. I love that you are enjoying the midwest and learning more about farming. It is really something everyone should learn and know where their food comes from. We work very, very hard sun up until sun down and I don’t think many people realize how much work goes in to running a farm. Great post, Donna!
Thanks for sharing what you have learned about GMOs Donna. One of the greatest freedoms we have living in the United States is that we have the power of choice. I hope everyone does some fact finding and research when it comes to making choices and is accepting of others choices.
Love this post! It is so true that we often jump on the bandwagon on things without really understanding the real facts. Thanks for a great post!