GM GE GMO GME…What Does It All Mean?

The term GMO stands for genetically modified organism. A GMO has genetic material that has been changed by humans in some way. GME stands for genetic modification engineering, the process of changing the genes of a living thing. When you come across any of these terms, you know that the plant or animal being described is different from the one created by nature.

How different? You may not want to know. Roundworm genes have been introduced into pigs to increase their omega 3 fatty acid content. Roundup Ready corn and soybeans have been genetically modified to tolerate higher doses of Roundup. GM corn and cotton  contain Bt, a pesticide.

Will these changes affect humans? Proponents say that these changes will improve our food supply. Opponents object to the tinkering of genes when we don’t know the long term effects on humans, on livestock, or on insects, especially the pollinators. There are objections to the fact that GM seeds are patented. Ever since the beginnings of agriculture 10,000 years ago seeds have been shared by farmers and saved for the next crop. Now they must be purchased from a large corporation, and violators are prosecuted.

Here in the Black Hills we can talk to our farmers and ask them where they buy their seeds and what they feed their cows. We can, if we choose, avoid the GM foods that have invaded our food supply.