Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a popular topic of discussion among food enthusiasts. GMO foods use gene splicing as a means of doing what foods cannot do naturally. This is often used so that the foods that farmers grow can become more resistant to various external factors such as herbicides, pests, and fungi.
GMO foods give promise to foods that yield more nutritional value and environmental benefits, but these claims are still met with some controversy. Find out why there are people who are still concerned about GMO products.
Agricultural Concerns about GMO Foods
GMO produce is known to use various agricultural chemicals, which can damage the environment and cause natural habitats to dwindle. On top of that, crops have a higher chance of failure, lowering the chances of biological diversity in the environment. Some other factors are often unintended, such as making crops more susceptible to different damaging factors, including drought, pest damage, and alterations to plant structure.
Also, GMO produce threatens organic produce because of pesticide drift that results from spraying nearby fields. Sometimes, organic and GMO crops end up commingling. This compromises the organic status of organic crops.
Environmental Concerns about GMO Foods
The high chemical levels that result from GMO crops can pollute water tables and can also leave residue on the crops. More agricultural chemicals are being used today, and it results in more genetically engineered (GE) crops being bioengineered so they can handle the increased levels of the chemicals being used. GMO produce has also been found to cause hormonal and neurological damage if children consume them. This is because of the chemicals used to grow the crops.
One of the most prominent concerns with genetically modified crops is that they aren’t natural, which is a topic of concern for many shoppers who look for all-natural products. Since GMO crops are not naturally made, they might be shunned by people who only want purely natural produce.
Nutritional Concerns about GMO Foods
Connections are being made between genetically engineered foods and allergies. There are two main factors that contribute to allergies: altered proteins that are formed while crops are being genetically engineered, and possibly adverse effects on digestibility. Genetically modified crops have also been stated to suffer in nutritional value when compared to other crops.
Baywater Farms Has The Right Produce For You
Baywater Farms is a family-owned and operated farm servicing Baltimore, Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware beaches, and the Eastern Shore. We are capable of meeting the demands of your produce distributor, restaurant produce supplier, CSA produce supplier, or wholesale produce supplier while maintaining the integrity and character of a small farm. When you work with Baywater Farms, you work with an experienced, ethical, and local farm dedicated to providing the highest-quality heirloom produce possible.