Cyndi's Two Cents

GMO labeling controversy

Two Cents copy

Commentary.

Ask shoppers at a local farmers market whether or not they try to avoid GMOs, or better yet, ask them what a GMO is and you will quickly understand how little many consumers know about genetically modified organisms.  A video created when late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel sent a crew out to ask these questions at a Hollywood, California farmers market went viral on social media sites.  It was funny, but also disturbing because it was just another example of how confused and misinformed people are about food, science and agriculture.

Some might say the video piece on Jimmy Kimmel’s show was simply a publicity stunt; an attempt to poke fun and increase ratings.  Maybe it was.  The fact is, I have had personal experience talking to consumers at a local farmers market in the Midwest, and I promise you there are a lot of people right here in the heartland who oppose GMOs but don’t know what they are.

A whole bunch of those folks who are misinformed about GMOs will take their misguided mindset to the polls next week.   Proposals on the ballot in Oregon and Colorado will give voters a voice on whether or not labels will be required on foods made using genetically modified ingredients.  Similar ballot initiatives failed in California in 2012 and in Washington in 2013.   Earlier this year, Vermont became the first state to approve GMO labeling.

Leading up to the November election, millions of dollars have been spent in support of and in opposition to GMO labeling. As is quite often the case, the catchiest ad or most popular spokesperson will be more likely to sway voters than mere science or facts.

It’s hard to find a more misunderstood and divisive issue not only at your local farmers market and polling place, but across food production and the entire food supply chain.  People are afraid of what they do not know and it is clear that there is much work to be done to educate the consumer about what a GMO is and how it allows for more food to be grown in more places using fewer chemicals and natural resources.

An Iowa State University study shows that without biotechnology, global prices for soybeans would be 10 percent higher and corn prices would be 6 percent higher.

I believe that with or without GMO labeling, the majority of consumers will continue to do exactly what they have been doing for years.  Perhaps they do prefer non-GMO cereal, salad dressing, fresh papaya or squash, but when it comes down to it, they will more often than not select one of the less expensive offerings.  GMO or not.

I know (and happen to be related to) some farmers who raise or have raised non-GMO crops.  If those farmers can make a premium, I’m all for it.  But most of those farmers I know who raise non-GMO crops know very well the scientific consensus is that existing GMOs are no more or less risky than non-GMOs.

  • Cyndi,
    Great article. I listen to you every morning on WLOH in Logan, Ohio. Your insight and ideas are dead on. It is sad that folks do not understand what GMO’s really are. As farmers we have been genetically altering animals and plants since we first started raising them, through breeding and culling and cross pollinating. Now we can just do more of it with more precision and good overall results. Many think of GMO as steroids and antibiotics and that is how many of he spin doctors of the media portray them also. Soryy to ramble, keep up the good work. Mike Harris a fan of common sense.

  • I sell at farmers market on the east coast and have ladys ask, ( do you spray your vegetables with round up, if my sweet corn was GMO, it wasn’t, than it must be hard to find non-GMO seed) I said it was hard to find GMO seeds. I think the organic grower was telling stories to scare the costomers. Sad to say but people are clueless.

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