CONSUMERS ARE WARY OF GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) FOODS

Worldwide substantial investments are being made in GM products. At this time, the strength of negative reaction has led to the withdrawal of such products from supermarket shelves in Europe. Bruised by BSE and other health scares, UK retailers are being very cautious. In fact, recently, 'GM-free' products have been promoted as a positive marketing strategy.

In a genetically modified crop, genes are inserted from another organism, thus altering the genetic make-up of the target/host organism. This means that foods are produced that could not exist naturally or through conventional plant breeding. Many people are extremely concerned about the effects of GMOs on the consumer and on the environment. However, genetically modified crops are already being grown in the USA and trials are currently underway in other countries to determine the safety (both environmental and human) of growing these crops on a commercial scale. If proved to be safe, these crops offer great potential for reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers (i.e. reduced growing costs), whilst maintaining harvest yields.

Organic organizations and customers are particularly sceptical of this technology. Therefore smallholders producing organic or conventional crops should make sure that these crops are grown an acceptable distance away from any genetically modified crops being grown in the vicinity. Some export customers have their own rules regarding the location of production of conventional crops and National Organic Certification organizations may also have regulations on this matter.

Related information: Organic produce ; Food Safety; Convenience foods; Ethical Concerns