While many people enjoy gardening as a pastime, not many realize just how vital protecting crops and growing food is to the economy. If you’re a fan of gardening, you might ask yourself why any farmer would opt for GMO crops instead of natural alternatives. Below are some of the many reasons why GMO crops are vital for the nation.
Produce Crops for Global Consumption
Around 99% of the world’s global GMO crops include maize, soybean, cotton, and oilseed rape. It isn’t just the U.S. that grows these crops—they are widely consumed around the world, and many of them are used to feed people living in underdeveloped countries or those in parts of the world where food is scarce.
Without GMO crops, global hunger would be even worse than it is today, as would global production efforts.
Increased Crop Yields and Profits
Farmers grow GMO crops because they give higher yields compared to traditional varieties, which means more produce from the same plot of land, which translates into more profitability for farmers and ranchers who might otherwise struggle to make ends meet. With over 113.5 million people in the United States partaking in gardening in spring 2014 alone consider how much space, time, and money it costs to tend to a garden and the amount of food it produces.
GMO crops are able to produce results much faster than organic farming, which can take years before reaching full maturity, which means that farmers have more time and resources to focus on other aspects of their business, like marketing and networking with potential buyers. They also free up space for other types of crops that need more attention.
Reduced Pesticides and Herbicides
Farmers are able to produce higher yields with fewer inputs thanks to GMO crops, which means less herbicide and pesticide use, resulting in lower production costs and a reduced environmental impact. GMOs can also resist certain diseases and pests without the need for additional sprays or chemicals, which helps protect the environment and prevent contamination of nearby water sources.
If you’re one of the 22 million homeowners in the United States that hired a lawn care service, consider how much work it takes just to maintain a small plot of land with traditional gardening methods. GMO crops are hardier and require much less maintenance, which is why they are so popular among farmers.
GMOs can also be engineered to use less water and fertilizer, which makes them more sustainable options that don’t strain local resources or the environment. This helps ensure that farmers can continue to produce crops for the global market without depleting the earth of its natural resources.
Enhanced Nutritional Value
GMO crops are able to be modified in such a way that they can have enhanced nutritional value. This means more vitamins and minerals in the food, as well as increased levels of protein and other nutrients. This allows people to get more nutrition and energy from the food they’re eating, without having to consume as much.
For example, Golden Rice is a type of GMO-modified rice that contains beta-carotene and other essential vitamins and minerals in it. This type of rice helps people who don’t get enough nutrition from their regular diets, especially in parts of the world where food resources are scarce.
GMO crops are also able to withstand harsh climates and weather conditions, which makes it possible for farmers to grow food in places that were previously not suitable for agriculture. This increase in farming helps increase the number of people who have access to food and nutrition.
Overall, there are numerous reasons why farmers in the United States choose GMO crops over traditional varieties. While there’s growing popularity against GMO foods, it’s important to understand just how vital they are to agriculture and the role they play in helping sustain the planet.
