Industry-controlled media erroneously portray GMOs as part of the solution to global hunger.1,2 Claims that accompanied the herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant GMO crops that dominated the first generation of GMOs are now applied to recent GMOs made with new genomic techniques such as gene editing. However, GMOs have not meaningfully decreased hunger or malnutrition during the more than 30 years in the food supply.3
Most herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant GMO crops end up in livestock feed and biofuels, not as food for humans.4,5,6 Those used in food for human consumption are nutrient-poor but high in calories — the raw materials for ultra-processed food.7
Multiple studies show GMO crops do not produce higher yields than non-GMO versions.8,9,10,11 For example, EU countries that grow non-GMO crops under similar climatic conditions as US-based GMO farmers show similar or higher yields.12,13 Meanwhile, industry-funded studies showing favorable GMO yields are generally small-scale trials or highly controlled conditions — environments that are not replicable or scalable.14
GMOs engineered to increase nutrients, alter flavor profiles or make healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables more convenient make up a small fraction of the GMOs on the market.15 These novel foods do nothing to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition, such as lack of access and food waste, income inequality, armed conflict and trade policy.
GMO developers use genetically engineered microorganisms to produce proteins, fats, vitamins and many other compounds through fermentation. Advocates consider this technology a saving grace for a growing population, declaring that "everyone on Earth could be handsomely fed, using a tiny fraction of its surface."16 However, their optimism ignores the high operating costs and practical limitations of this technology which compromise its usefulness as a potential climate solution.17,18 Furthermore, the off-target effects and unexpected outcomes associated with new GMOs could potentially impact human health. Learn more about GMOs' impact on human health.