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Public perception of genetically engineered (GE) crops is being manipulated by organizations that purport to represent the interests of consumers and the environment. These anti-GE groups publish stories discussing risks as if they are unique to GE crops, not acknowledging that similar risks are accepted in traditional agriculture. Meanwhile, environmental, health, and economic benefits of GE crops become lost in a sea of alleged dangers, such as triggering allergies in consumers or harming the environment. As a result, efforts to engineer crops with agronomic traits or improved nutrition face an uphill battle to gain acceptance.
Of course, there are potential risks involved with growing GE crops, which are assessed during regulatory reviews prior to cultivation, and these must be taken into consideration when assessing the potential benefits of such plants. But the same can be said for any food item entering the market. Conventional crop ...
