Biotech firms seek to be more open on GMO crops
Acknowledging publically that they haven’t done a good job promoting their cause, biotechnology companies including DuPont have created a new website to answer questions about genetically modified crops.
The industry said the website, GMO Answers.con, was created to help consumers know more about the crops such as where they are grown and what the safety data says. The website says genetically modified organisms — or GMOs — are a major topic of discussion that fosters “a wide range of questions and emotions … ranging from excitement and optimism to skepticism and even fear. “
“We recognize we haven’t done the best job communicating about GMOs—what they are, how they are developed, food safety information—the science, data and processes,” said Cathleen Enright, a spokesperson for GMO Answers. “We want people to join us and ask their tough questions. Be skeptical. Evaluate the information and decide for yourself.”
Despite opposition in Europe and other parts of the world concerned over the impact biotech crops have on human health and the environment, they have become a major player in the agriculture community since they were first introduced commercially in the United States in 1996. Genetically modified crops are now grown in 30 countries by 17.3 million farmers on more than 420 million acres.
GMO Answers was created by the members of The Council for Biotechnology Information, which includes BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, Monsanto and Syngenta. Chemical and agricultural giant DuPont owns DuPont Pioneer, its agricultural seed unit based in Johnston. Desmoineshregister
The industry said the website, GMO Answers.con, was created to help consumers know more about the crops such as where they are grown and what the safety data says. The website says genetically modified organisms — or GMOs — are a major topic of discussion that fosters “a wide range of questions and emotions … ranging from excitement and optimism to skepticism and even fear. “
“We recognize we haven’t done the best job communicating about GMOs—what they are, how they are developed, food safety information—the science, data and processes,” said Cathleen Enright, a spokesperson for GMO Answers. “We want people to join us and ask their tough questions. Be skeptical. Evaluate the information and decide for yourself.”
Despite opposition in Europe and other parts of the world concerned over the impact biotech crops have on human health and the environment, they have become a major player in the agriculture community since they were first introduced commercially in the United States in 1996. Genetically modified crops are now grown in 30 countries by 17.3 million farmers on more than 420 million acres.
GMO Answers was created by the members of The Council for Biotechnology Information, which includes BASF, Bayer CropScience, Dow AgroSciences, DuPont, Monsanto and Syngenta. Chemical and agricultural giant DuPont owns DuPont Pioneer, its agricultural seed unit based in Johnston. Desmoineshregister
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