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What is the difference between selective breeding of plants and GMO?

The difference in selective breeding versus genetically modifying a plant is significant.  Unfortunately, those on the side of GMO’s often infer that the process is the same.  Though technology has helped both efforts, selective breeding does not allow for cross species (animal/plant, insect/plant) manipulation.   In other words, breeding a new species of corn that grows better in New York by crossing a variety of corn from Europe with a variety of corn from the western USA makes sense.  The traits exhibited by the ‘new’ corn are an improvement that allow better use of the soil, better use of water or fertilizers, and hopefully produces better yields.  This has been done by farmers for ages and has resulted in nothing harmful to the human body. 

In contrast, GMO’s infer cross species modifications.  The use of bacteria/insect/non plant DNA inserted into plant DNA resulting in a plant that produces it’s own pesticide as a response to this manipulation.  What’s unclear but becoming less so is the health impacts on the body in regards to the ingestion of GMO’s.   We don’t have any clear indications that the genes impacted by the GMO’s are benign in the human body.  Since the introduction of GMO’s, a myriad of issues in the human body have increased. 

In 2009, the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) stated

that, “Several animal studies indicate serious health risks

associated with genetically modified (GM) food,” including infertility,

immune problems, accelerated aging, faulty insulin regulation, and

changes in major

organs and the gastrointestinal system.

The facts are quickly gaining traction which is why 69% of the voters in California are in favor of the labeling of GMO foods.  We just want to know whether or not the foods we are eating contain GMO’s so we have the choice not to eat them.  Educate yourself here,

http://www.responsibletechnology.org/health-risks and stop taking chances with you and your families health.