GMOs

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered, also called Genetically Engineered Organism or GEO. The most common GMOs are soya, maize, oilseed rape and cotton, crops that have been developed to be resistant to crop pests or herbicides.

GMO threats:
* Increasing use of pesticides
* Deforestation due to clearance of land for plantations
* Loss of species due to GM pollination of non-GM crops and wild relatives
* Monopolization of the market by seed companies such as Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer and DuPont
* Higher costs, decreased yields and crop failures causing impoverishment of small farmers
* GMOs could be toxic and a threat to humans and animals

Want to know more?

The case for a GM-free sustainable world - summary and link to the full report by the Independent Science Panel .