GMOs are simply technologically advanced hybrids – just like the plant hybrids farmers and gardeners have created for centuries as they grew plants. Scientists create GMOs to achieve a desired trait such as resistance to a pest or tolerance to drought conditions. GMO seeds and plants are rigorously tested by scientists, and reviewed by the Food & Drug Administration, Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture before they are marketed. Today, there are 10 crops with GMOs that are commercially available: alfalfa, Arctic apples, canola, corn (field & sweet), cotton, Innate potatoes, soybeans, sugar beets and summer squash.

Source: Food and Drug Administration

Plant breeding creates crops that are better able to withstand challenges while they grow, including drought, disease and insect infestations. This allows farmers to grow more quality food on less land with fewer chemicals. Ultimately, this can benefit the environment and land, with farmers able to better conserve natural resources and reduce their carbon footprint.

Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

Plant breeding innovation uses genome sequencing to focus on the genetic factors that produce the best plants, and it allows breeders to reach the same endpoint as through more traditional plant breeding methods (like gardeners, farmers & scientists have done for centuries), but with greater precision and efficiency. Before foods produced using plant breeding innovation come to market, they undergo extensive testing that begins very early on in the breeding process. Using time-tested, proven procedures, scientists and researchers create new plant varieties that are safe both for farmers to grow and for all of us to eat.

Source: American Seed Trade Association