GMO Research
A genetically modified organism (GMO) or a genetically engineered (GE) organism is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Genetically modified organisms include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals. GMO plants are the source of many genetically modified foods, and are also widely used in scientific research and to produce goods such as cotton.
Genetically Modified Organisms have been introduced into the agricultural scene by several large corporate entities as a means of improving the productive capability of various plants. These modifications have included concepts such as chemical resistance (Roundup Ready), insect resistance (BT cotton), improved nutritional value, longer shelf life, drug improvements and many other variations. The first commercial production of a GM crop was produced in 1996 with glyphosate resistant crops. There are many people in favour of GM technologies and many other people totally against the concept due to the ownership of intellectual property and potential safety concerns. The major issues with GM technology in the past decade have been the lack of long term trials to prove the safety or lack of safety with this technology.
This page will attempt to present various research items as it is sourced so that farmers can keep up to date with the latest science