Safety of GMO crops underscored anew amid challenges posed by vandals in Italy
Margust Dela Cerna | August 19, 2024
The safety of GMO crops is back in the spotlight, particularly with the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to create a risotto rice resistant to the rice blast fungus, Pyricularia oryzae.
In Italy, a recent outdoor experiment with genetically modified crops faced challenges when vandals destroyed most plants, leading lead scientist Vittoria Brambilla to declare the experiment scientifically compromised. This incident highlights Europe’s ongoing resistance to genetic engineering, which hinders progress on crops that could improve health and adapt to climate change.
For instance, Golden Rice was developed in the 1990s to fight vitamin A deficiency, potentially preventing blindness in children. Meanwhile, the US has introduced a genetically modified purple tomato to promote positive perceptions of GM foods. Genetic modification, rooted in ancient selective breeding, now uses precise methods like CRISPR that do not insert foreign DNA. The US has relaxed regulations on gene-edited crops, while Europe maintains strict rules, though potential changes might facilitate the market for some edited plants. This is urgent as climate change exacerbates agricultural challenges like droughts and pests. Gene-edited crops could reduce pesticide use and enhance food security. For instance, India’s insect-resistant crops have decreased pesticide poisoning among workers, while drought-tolerant wheat and maize are under development in Argentina and Kenya. Genetic engineering can also support regenerative farming by improving nutrient absorption and cutting nitrogen fertilizer use, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite health concerns, extensive research shows no negative effects from consuming GMOs. Critics point out that the real issue lies with major seed companies using these technologies to dominate the market, rather than the technology itself. The UK’s Royal Society suggests a case-by-case regulatory approach based on the risks of new crops. Easing regulations in the EU could foster more sustainable innovations and shape global standards.
While organic farming is often viewed as the sustainable choice, embracing genetic technology could strengthen food system resilience and support regenerative agriculture, requiring both vision and political commitment.
In Italy, a recent outdoor experiment with genetically modified crops faced challenges when vandals destroyed most plants, leading lead scientist Vittoria Brambilla to declare the experiment scientifically compromised. This incident highlights Europe’s ongoing resistance to genetic engineering, which hinders progress on crops that could improve health and adapt to climate change.
For instance, Golden Rice was developed in the 1990s to fight vitamin A deficiency, potentially preventing blindness in children. Meanwhile, the US has introduced a genetically modified purple tomato to promote positive perceptions of GM foods. Genetic modification, rooted in ancient selective breeding, now uses precise methods like CRISPR that do not insert foreign DNA. The US has relaxed regulations on gene-edited crops, while Europe maintains strict rules, though potential changes might facilitate the market for some edited plants. This is urgent as climate change exacerbates agricultural challenges like droughts and pests. Gene-edited crops could reduce pesticide use and enhance food security. For instance, India’s insect-resistant crops have decreased pesticide poisoning among workers, while drought-tolerant wheat and maize are under development in Argentina and Kenya. Genetic engineering can also support regenerative farming by improving nutrient absorption and cutting nitrogen fertilizer use, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Despite health concerns, extensive research shows no negative effects from consuming GMOs. Critics point out that the real issue lies with major seed companies using these technologies to dominate the market, rather than the technology itself. The UK’s Royal Society suggests a case-by-case regulatory approach based on the risks of new crops. Easing regulations in the EU could foster more sustainable innovations and shape global standards.
While organic farming is often viewed as the sustainable choice, embracing genetic technology could strengthen food system resilience and support regenerative agriculture, requiring both vision and political commitment.
