NATIONAL NON-GMO MONTH: PROMOTING AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF GENETIC MODIFICATION Every October, the United States observes National Non-GMO Month. This crucial initiative is not just about raising awareness about genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in the food supply, but also about empowering consumers to make informed, conscious choices. It encourages us all to understand the foods we buy and consume, and the impact they have on our health and the environment. National Non-GMO Month was established by the Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007. The project's mission is to build and protect a non-GMO food supply, and it does this by providing consumers with verified non-GMO choices through their product labeling program. This month-long event serves as a platform for educating the public and enhancing transparency in food labeling, giving us all the confidence to make non-GMO choices. GMO foods are those that have had their DNA altered through genetic engineering, a process not possible in nature or traditional cross-breeding. Scientists select specific genes to be transferred from one organism to another, often across different species, to imbue the recipient organism with desirable traits such as resistance to pests or herbicides. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are widely used in various crops around the world to improve yield, enhance resistance to pests and diseases, and increase tolerance to environmental stresses. Here are some of the top foods that commonly use GMO technology: —Soybeans: GMO soybeans dominate the market in many countries, especially in the United States. These are engineered to resist herbicides, making it easier for farmers to control weeds without damaging the crops. Corn: Much of the corn grown in the U.S. is genetically modified for herbicide resistance and increased resistance to pests like the European corn borer. This corn is used in a wide array of products, including corn syrup, animal feed, and direct food products. —Canola: GMO canola is designed to resist certain herbicides, allowing for easier weed control. Canola oil is a common product derived from genetically modified canola. —Cotton: While not a food product, cottonseed oil is a byproduct of cotton used in food. GMO cotton is modified to resist insects and tolerate herbicides. —Sugar Beets: A significant percentage of sugar beets grown are genetically modified to be herbicide-resistant. Sugar beets are a substantial source of sugar in the U.S. —Alfalfa: Genetically modified to resist herbicides, GMO alfalfa is primarily used as animal feed, especially for dairy cows. —Papaya: In Hawaii, the papaya industry has been saved mainly by developing GMO papaya resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. —Squash: Certain squash varieties are genetically modified to resist viruses that could otherwise devastate crops. —Apples: Specific varieties of apples are genetically engineered to resist browning when cut or bruised. These are marketed under names like Arctic Apples. —Potatoes: Some potato varieties are genetically modified to resist bruising and specific pathogens, reducing waste and using chemical sprays. These GMO foods have been adopted in various regions for their agronomic benefits. However, they continue to be subject to public debate and regulatory review regarding their safety and impact on health and the environment. CRITICS Critics of GMO foods argue they can lead to unintended health and environmental impacts. Concerns include potential allergenicity, gene transfer to non-target species, and increased use of chemical herbicides, which may lead to herbicide-resistant weed populations. Additionally, ethical concerns about manipulating genetic material across species boundaries and large corporations' consolidation of patent ownership are frequently cited. GMO vs. HYBRIDIZATION It's important to distinguish GMO foods from those produced through hybridization, a natural process used for centuries. Hybridization involves cross-breeding two related species to create a new plant that shares traits from both parent plants. This process occurs within the boundaries of natural reproductive methods and does not involve the insertion of genes from other species. National Non-GMO Month aims to enlighten the public about the significant differences between GMO and non-GMO products. This understanding is crucial in making informed food choices that align with our health and environmental values. The month encourages critical thinking about the impacts of genetically modified crops on health and the environment. It promotes transparency in food labeling so consumers can make informed choices and advocates for the availability of non-GMO options in the marketplace. By participating in National Non-GMO Month, consumers, retailers, and advocates come together to support the availability of non-GMO choices. Retailers play a crucial role in stocking and promoting non-GMO products, while advocates contribute to the public discourse and awareness. This collective effort fosters a diverse and informed food culture. The event highlights the importance of personal choice in diet and encourages discussions about sustainable agricultural practices and food safety.