The United States Department of Agriculture defines bioengineered crops as plants whose genetic material has been modified using modern biotechnology. The purpose of altering these crops is to enhance specific traits, such as:
- Pest resistance
- Higher crop output
- Environmental resilience
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a part of the U.S. food supply since the 1990s, and are widely used in agriculture today, particularly in crops like soybeans, corn, and canola. The genetic modification of crops through traditional cross-breeding has been practiced for centuries and makes up around 70-80% of the food market.
Are GMOs Safe for Human Health and the Environment?
GMO crops are among “the most extensively tested crops ever added to our food supply,” according to the American Association for the Advancement of Science. This extensive body of research supports the scientific consensus that approved GMO foods are safe for human and animal consumption, as well as for the environment.
In the United States, GMO safety is rigorously evaluated by three primary regulatory agencies:
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Collectively, these agencies assess the safety of GMO crops throughout their development and use, consistently concluding that approved GMO foods meet established safety standards.
Each agency plays a distinct role in the oversight of GMOs. The FDA ensures that food derived from GMO crops is as safe and nutritious as its non-GMO counterparts. The EPA evaluates the safety of pesticides used in both GMO and conventional agriculture, with a focus on human health and environmental impact. The USDA oversees agricultural practices, ensuring that GMO crops grown in the U.S. are cultivated safely against diseases and pests, and have the proper regulations in place.
Together, these agencies provide ongoing oversight to monitor both the direct and environmental impacts of GMO crops across the food system.
According to the World Health Organization, “no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of [genetically modified foods] by the general population in the countries where they have been approved.”
Why Do We Use GMO Crops?
GMO crops are developed to address key agricultural challenges and improve food production efficiency. Common benefits include things like:
- Increased crop yields to support the global food demand
- Reduced need for chemical pesticide applications
- Improved resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stressors
- Enhanced sustainability through reduced use of resources
By modifying the genetic makeup of crops, scientists can introduce specific traits in a much shorter time than they could in conventional breeding methods, making bioengineering much more effective in terms of advancement.
Examples of GMO Crops Grown in the U.S.
Alfalfa
Apples
Canola
Corn
Cotton
Papaya
Potatoes
Soybeans
Summer squash
Sugar beets
Most crops are used in animal feed, and others are used as ingredients in common manufactured foods like cereal and snacks. GMOs are commonly found throughout today’s food supply.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability of GMO Crops
Genetic engineering, also known as biotechnology, plays a key role in advancing sustainable agriculture by enabling farmers to optimize their inputs while reducing environmental impact. This includes:
Decrease pesticide use, allowing for the use of more environmentally friendly herbicides.
Preserve and improve soil quality using conservation tillage and no-till practices.
Reduce nutrient runoff, increasing crops’ fertilizer efficiency and conserving topsoil.
Minimizing farms’ agricultural carbon footprint.
Currently, more than 90% of U.S. corn, upland cotton, and soybeans are produced using genetically engineered varieties. On average, adoption of GMO crops has reduced chemical pesticide use by 37% and increased crop yields by 22%.
Between 1980 and 2025, U.S. soybean farmers significantly improved their sustainability metrics:
- Produced 43% less greenhouse gas emissions (per bushel)
- Improved land use efficiency by 47% (per bushel)
- Increased the amount of soy being produced by 130% (per bushel)
Higher-yielding crops developed through biotechnology can also help meet the United Nations estimated need for a 50% increase in world food production by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are GMO crops?
GMO crops are genetically modified plants using biotechnology to enhance specific traits such as yield, pest resistance, and environmental tolerance.
Are GMO foods safe to eat?
Yes, regulatory agencies such as the FDA, USDA, EPA, and WHO have concluded that approved GMO foods are safe for both human consumption and environmental impact.
Are soybeans genetically modified?
The majority of soybeans grown in the U.S. are genetically modified to improve crop production, pest resistance, and farming efficiency.
What are examples of GMO crops?
Common GMO crops include soybeans, corn, cotton, canola, and certain fruits and vegetables like papaya and potatoes.
