GMOs

An illustration by Erin Dunn

The complex nature of GMOs calls for a new conversation

Food

Why do the merits or demerits of GMOs grab more headline space than systemic food and agriculture concerns? Food systems researcher Maywa Montenegro breaks down the debate.

grocery store produce

Genetically modified food: Worries outstrip the science

Food
First Lady Michelle Obama unveils proposed updates to nutrition labels during remarks in the East Room of the White House on February 27, 2014.

What’s in a label? Not much, if it says ‘all natural’

Food
People hold signs during one of many worldwide "March Against Monsanto" protests against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and agro-chemicals, in Los Angeles on October 12, 2013.

Why the term GMO is ‘scientifically meaningless’

Science
A trader checks stacked boxes of cotton before loading them onto a truck inside a cotton processing unit in Kadi near the western Indian city of Ahmedabad.

Are GMOs really behind India’s farming success?

Environment
An employee at a Seattle co-op stocks produce near a sign supporting a 2013 ballot initiative in Washington state that would have required labeling of GMO foods. The initiative failed, with record amounts of money spent to defeat it.

GMO lobbying is a booming business as labeling laws increase

Business

The battle over labeling GMO foods has prompted food companies to pour $27 million into lobbying efforts — just in the last six months. With a lawsuit arguing that Vermont’s GMO labeling law is unconstitutional and fights to stop labeling initiatives in other states, the big food lobbying push is likely to keep growing.

Hopeful lunch? When it comes to feeding the world, ‘nothing’ will save us

Environment

Keeping our growing number of selves fed (sustainably, equitably, healthily) is way more than just a technical challenge. But the technical stuff does matter, too.