News Release

May 19, 2016 - Genetically engineered (GE) crops have been the topic of much debate since their introduction into the food system in the mid-1990s. Claims and research that extol both the benefits and risks of GE crops have created a confusing landscape for the public and for policy makers.

However, according to a recent National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NAS) report, Genetically Engineered Crops: Experiences and Prospects, the science is clear: “There is no persuasive evidence of adverse health effects directly attributable to consumption of foods derived from GE crops.”

“Crop scientists and the public both want safe and nutritious food without destroying the environment,” says Mike Grusak, president of the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA). “As scientists we use many tools to achieve these goals, including genetic engineering and conventional breeding,”

“We applaud the hard work of the National Academies in producing this report,” says Paul Fixen, president of American Society of Agronomy (ASA). “Technological advances in crop improvement and their integration in agronomic systems will continue in order to meet the needs of a global population in a changing environment. We must engage with the public to communicate these new innovations.” 

The NAS report, ASA, and CSSA agree that scientific research overwhelmingly shows GE crops are safe and pose no significant health or environmental risks. They also  agree federal regulatory oversight of agricultural biotechnology should be evidence-based and reflect the conclusions of current research.

More information about the NAS report is at http://nas-sites.org/ge-crops/. The report provides an independent, objective examination on the economic, agronomic, health, safety, and other effects of GE crops and food.

For the CSSA Position Statement on genetically modified crops, visit https://www.crops.org/files/science-policy/issues/reports/cssa-gmo-statement.pdf