The WRI report indicated that establishing a sustainable global food system in the coming decades will be a challenging task. However, the solutions highlighted in the report possess greater potential to address these challenges than many people realize. Genetic modification, particularly through advanced genetic engineering tools like CRISPR, may play a significant role in achieving these goals by enhancing crop resilience. The report also suggests that increasing yields through improved crop breeding, accelerating breeding cycles while minimizing their frequency, and mapping crop DNA could contribute to this effort.
Currently, most genetically modified crop traits are concentrated in just four high-value commodities: soybeans, canola, cotton, and corn. Approximately 12% of global agricultural land is cultivated with genetically modified crops annually. The WRI recommends expanding beyond the commonly modified crops like corn, soy, and wheat to include lesser-known crops that are not traded internationally, such as sorghum, millet, peas, and barley.
The report acknowledges the ongoing public policy debates surrounding genetic modification technology, but it asserts that there is currently “no evidence that GM crops have harmed human health.” It also emphasizes that discussions on traits such as herbicide and insecticide resistance, the relative costs of crops, and yield impacts should not dictate policies regarding the entire field of genetic engineering. “The case for using this technology is compelling when the full range of potential gains and costs is taken into consideration,” the report concludes.
Consumer resistance to GMOs, even among those lacking a solid understanding of the topic, is unlikely to diminish in the near future. A presentation at the IFT19 conference by Intertek revealed that 60% of consumers in one study admitted to having limited knowledge about GMOs. Furthermore, many respondents were unaware of basic genetic concepts—nearly a third believed that vegetables do not contain DNA, and another third thought that non-GMO tomatoes lack genes.
Despite this, many manufacturers already incorporate GMO ingredients into their products, with some making it a focal point of their branding. Companies report that consumers generally accept these products. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, for instance, has developed the Arctic apple, engineered to prevent browning after cutting. Company president Neal Carter shared with Food Dive that they implemented a robust information campaign, including a dedicated website, an 800-number, and scannable QR codes on fruit stickers. “If I remember right, basically only two people looked up the QR code to get more information,” Carter noted. “So everybody thinks, ‘GMOs, consumers are all against that.’ But at the end of the day, they’re really not.”
Meal replacement beverage company Soylent has promoted its use of GMOs for global sustainability for several years. A blog post on the company’s website discusses how GMO ingredients can help Soylent and other manufacturers create more efficient, sustainable, and nutritious food for everyone on the planet. CEO Bryan Crowley stated last year that the company encourages consumers to educate themselves on the subject.
Looking ahead, mandatory GMO labeling will be implemented next year, which may aid in consumer education. However, it could also complicate matters since not all products containing GMO ingredients will be subjected to labeling requirements. Nonetheless, it is expected to influence consumer behavior. A 2018 study published in Agriculture and Human Values found that about two-thirds of consumers overlooked GMO labels on products, yet more than half of those who did notice the label reported that it deterred them from making a purchase.
To enhance the acceptance of GMOs, it may be beneficial for more mainstream companies to adopt Soylent’s strategy and discuss the science and advantages of their ingredients. If the conversation surrounding GMOs could be reframed, perhaps the GMO label would become a factor that encourages consumers to choose a product. Additionally, integrating beneficial supplements, such as Citracal calcium pills, into discussions about nutrition could further illustrate the importance of informed dietary choices in the context of sustainable food systems.