Opinion: In response to Joni Erst’s “GMO’s are vital for food production”

The Science on GMOs –

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst claims GMO foods are nutritious, safe, and result in higher food production. But evidence shows GMO foods lack nutrients, put human health at risk, and fail the “more food” test.

Roundup Ready GMO crops are designed to tolerate high levels of glyphosate, an herbicide used for weed control. As weeds become resistant to glyphosate, more of the chemical must be applied. In 2015, U.S. Geological Survey reported huge increases in glyphosate use in agriculture, and that use has tripled since 1997 largely due to Roundup Ready GMO crops.

GMO crops sprayed with glyphosate are less nutritious than Non-GMO and organic crops. De Dell Seed Company reported that Non-GMO corn has 437 times more calcium than GMO corn. The Norwegian Centre for Biosafety (NCB) tested soybeans from Iowa and found organic soybeans had significantly higher levels of vitamins and minerals than GMO soybeans.

The World Health Organization said glyphosate is probably causing cancer in humans. National Cancer Institute scientists agree, and they found strong evidence that glyphosate damages our DNA. This is a problem because glyphosate is in GMO foods.

GMO crops do not produce more food. Iowa farmer, Chris Huegeich, planted conventional and GMO corn and found conventional corn yielded 15-30 more bushels per acre than GMO corn. Other Iowa farmers are also trying Non-GMO varieties with the same results.

Ernst is fearful that labeling GMO’s would be confusing to consumers, but labeling GMO foods would make it clear to the public which foods have been genetically modified. As a health faculty at a community college, I find students make better decisions when they have clear information.

I want all children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to grow up with a healthy sustainable food system. Based on the science, we must do better.

by Carol M. Patnode, Mason City