GMOs
crops that carry new traits that have been inserted through advanced genetic engineering methods
Herbicides
Chemicals that kill plants
Insecticide
a chemical used to kill insects
Pesticide
substance that kills rats, insects, bacteria, etc. (used as a catch all term)
USDA Organic
strict guidelines limiting the use of pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, antibiotics, irradiation, genetic engineering
Glyphosate
a broad-spectrum herbicide; it is the active ingredient in Roundup
common GMOs
corn, soy, cotton,
Golden Rice
a genetically modified variety of rice containing large amounts of the orange or red plant pigment betacarotene, a substance important in the human diet as a precursor of vitamin A.
Bt corn
is a genetically modified crop (GMO) that is engineered to be resistant to pests using a soil bacterium
Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
An alternative to GMOs; An agricultural practice that uses a variety of techniques designed to minimize pesticide inputs
terminator gene
a genetically modified crop that has a gene to cause the plant to become sterile after the first year
Health impacts of Glyphosate
Digestive issues, developmental and reproductive issues, sunburn faster
Economic Impacts of GMOs
Increased costs to farmers to purchase seeds annually;
increased litigation/lawyer costs for patent infringement;
increased health care costs due to glyphosate exposure