Top Five Myths Of Genetically Modified Seeds, Busted

NPR: Top Five Myths Of Genetically Modified Seeds, Busted

Having just stepped into the shouting match over patents on genetically engineered crops, there are a few small things that I, too, would like to get off my chest.

I say small things. I'm not talking about today's big hot issues: Whether genetically modified organisms — GMOs — should be labeled, or cause cancer in rats, or might improve the lives of poor farmers in Africa; none of that.

This is about something simple: Seeds of GMOs. Various myths have grown up around these seeds. Like most myths, they are inspired by reality. But they've wandered off into the world of fiction.

Myth 1: Seeds from GMOs are sterile. …

Myth 2: Monsanto will sue you for growing their patented GMOs if traces of those GMOs entered your fields through wind-blown pollen. …

Myth 3: Any contamination with GMOs makes organic food non-organic. …

Myth 4: Before Monsanto got in the way, farmers typically saved their seeds and re-used them. …

Myth 5: Most seeds these days are genetically modified. …

 


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One response to “Top Five Myths Of Genetically Modified Seeds, Busted”

  1. Myth 2 came from a Canadian case where Monsanto sued Schmeiser for patent infringement when GMO seeds crosspollinated with Scmeiser’s crops.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsanto_Canada_Inc._v._Schmeiser

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