GMOs (genetically modified organisms) have sucked up billions of research dollars and prolonged agriculture's dependence on chemical inputs, but they have yet to justify their role.
A recent review of on-farm production levels of genetically modified crops showed less than marginal gains in actual yield. In fact, the review concluded that "no currently available transgenic varieties enhance the intrinsic yield of any crops."
If GMOs are developed to increase yields, then they have failed. If they are marketed to reduce costs for farmers, the price of GMO corn seed is now three times greater than it was just a few years ago. If these seeds are engineered to use less herbicides, many weeds are becoming Roundup-resistant, requiring a cocktail of herbicide applications in certain farming areas. And their safety is still in question.
People should demand the implementation of a precautionary principle: GMOs should not be allowed into the food system until extensive long-term, third-party studies -- not studies funded by seed technology companies -- have been performed. And as long as it is present in food, all products must be clearly labeled as to whether they contain GMO crop ingredients.