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1. SHARMEENA A/P TENNIS

2. MOOSHIKA SHINE A/P RAJATHURAI

3. ASHWINAA A/P VIJAYA ANAND

4. SYAMBAVI A/P VELAUTHAM

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This blog is produced under UNDP Malaysia Accelerator Lab, authored by Ege Berfin Bor (Intern); co-authored by Dr. David Tan (Head of Exploration) and Subash Jai Devaraj (Research and Writing Associate)

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Chinese scientist rush to climate-proof potatoes

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Chinese scientist rush to climate-proof potatoes

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Photos: Chinese scientists rush to climate-proof potatoes

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Potatoes crucial to global food security but vulnerable to climate change, which threatens disease and blight.

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Malaysia proposes improving ASEAN-INDIA Fund for agriculture, climate change

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Malaysia proposes improving ASEAN-INDIA Fund for agriculture, climate change

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Verify you are human by completing the action below.

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Water shortage threatens food security in Malaysia

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Water shortage threatens food security in Malaysia

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Water shortage threatens food security in Malaysia

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The heat wave that has scorched Asia over the past few weeks has hit Malaysia hard, with a water shortage threatening national food security and hurting key industries.

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Farming the Floodplain: Trade-offs and Opportunities 

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Farming the Floodplain: Trade-offs and Opportunities 

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Farming the Floodplain: Trade-offs and Opportunities | USDA Climate Hubs

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Leer en español: Cultivar la llanura aluvial: Soluciones intermedias y oportunidades

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Takeaways from SEACO2024: Rising Food Insecurity, Growing Concern for Climate Change’s Impacts 

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Takeaways from SEACO2024: Rising Food Insecurity, Growing Concern for Climate Change’s Impacts 

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Takeaways from SEACO2024: Rising Food Insecurity, Growing Concern for Climate Change’s Impacts | FULCRUM

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The just-released Southeast Asia Climate Outlook Survey (SEACO2024) finds rising food insecurity due to climate change. The region must heed the clarion call to robustly improve food production, di…

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Harvesting Resilience: The Fight for Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agriculture - Global Center on Adaptation

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Harvesting Resilience: The Fight for Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agriculture - Global Center on Adaptation

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Harvesting Resilience: The Fight for Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agricultur e

A s the world faces mounting challenges from climate change, the need for resilient food systems has never been more urgent. Agriculture, a cornerstone of human survival, is increasingly vulnerable to shifting weather patterns, extreme temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall. In the quest to secure global food supplies, organizations such as CGIAR and the Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) are leading the charge to drive the uptake of resilient crops and transform agricultural practices. A prime example of this work is the scaling up of heat-resistant wheat in Ethiopia, which has the potential to safeguard food security not only in Africa but globally.

Agriculture is one of the most climate-sensitive sectors, directly affected by temperature fluctuations, water availability, and the frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), these climate-related risks are expected to worsen in the coming decades, with profound implications for global food production. In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, where agriculture is a key economic driver and a source of livelihood for millions, the stakes are particularly high. In Ethiopia, wheat is a staple crop and an essential part of the national diet. However, rising temperatures pose a significant threat to wheat production. Prolonged heat stress can reduce yields dramatically, leaving farmers struggling to meet both domestic consumption needs and export demands. With Ethiopia already facing periodic droughts and food shortages, finding a solution to protect wheat production is critical for national food security.

CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, has been at the forefront of agricultural innovation for decades. The organization's extensive network of research centers focuses on creating sustainable, climate-smart solutions to agricultural challenges. One of CGIAR's core missions is to develop crop varieties that can withstand the impacts of climate change, such as drought, heat, and salinity, ensuring that farming communities have the tools to adapt to new environmental realities. The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) complements CGIAR's work by promoting policies and investments that make climate adaptation a priority, and that drive uptake of CGIAR risk-reducing technologies. GCA's focus on food systems and agriculture emphasizes the need for innovative approaches to address climate vulnerability.

One of the most promising innovations to emerge from CGIAR's efforts is the development of heat-resistant wheat varieties. Given that wheat production is highly sensitive to temperature changes, CGIAR researchers have been working on breeding wheat that can tolerate heat stress without sacrificing yield. The goal is to create wheat varieties that can thrive even as temperatures rise above the norm, ensuring that Ethiopia's wheat production remains stable in the face of climate change. In Ethiopia, where nearly 5 million hectares of land are used for wheat cultivation, the uptake of heat-resistant varieties has the potential to significantly enhance food security. Traditional wheat varieties struggle when temperatures exceed 25°C, but CGIAR's new heat-tolerant strains can endure temperatures as high as 35°C. Early trials have shown that these new varieties maintain high productivity, even in the hotter conditions that are becoming more frequent in the region.

The success of heat-resistant wheat in Ethiopia could also have a ripple effect throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and other wheat-producing regions that are grappling with similar climate challenges. As temperatures continue to rise globally, the development of climate-resilient crops like heat-resistant wheat will be key to maintaining food production and preventing hunger. The collaborative approach taken by CGIAR and GCA is crucial for scaling up the impact of these innovations. While developing heat-resistant crops is a vital step, ensuring that these technologies reach smallholder farmers is equally important. GCA plays a pivotal role in advocating for the investment and policy frameworks necessary to bring climate-smart agriculture to the field.

By working with governments, international institutions, and the private sector, GCA and CGIAR are striving to ensure that the benefits of agricultural research reach those who need it most. In Ethiopia, for example, GCA is involved in fostering partnerships between local agricultural ministries, farmers' organizations, and local banks to expand the adoption of heat-resistant wheat. GCA acts as a transmission belt to help CGIAR access critical adaptation financing, ensuring that innovative climate-smart solutions like heat-resistant wheat are deployed at scale where they are most needed. This collaborative approach ensures that scientific breakthroughs translate into tangible improvements in food security on the ground.

While Ethiopia serves as a case study, the lessons learned from this work have far-reaching implications. The world is at a critical juncture, where climate change could exacerbate existing food insecurities and create new challenges for vulnerable populations. According to the World Food Programme, climate shocks are already a leading cause of hunger, displacing millions and threatening the livelihoods of farmers worldwide. In this context, work to develop climate-resilient crops is essential for global food security. Their research and advocacy efforts are not just about adapting to the impacts of climate change; they are about building a more sustainable, equitable, and resilient food system for future generations. Innovations like heat-resistant wheat can help ensure that we are prepared to feed a growing population in a rapidly changing world.

As climate change continues to disrupt traditional agricultural practices, the work of CGIAR in developing resilient crops is more important than ever. Their collaborative efforts in Ethiopia to develop heat-resistant wheat highlight the potential for scientific innovation to secure global food supplies in the face of climate uncertainty. By continuing to invest in climate-smart agriculture, we can protect the livelihoods of farmers, enhance food security, and ensure a sustainable future for all.

The ideas presented in this article aim to inspire adaptation action - they are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Global Center on Adaptation.

Related blog posts:

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Harvesting Resilience: The Fight for Food Security Through Climate-Smart Agriculture - Global Center on Adaptation

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As the world faces mounting challenges from climate change, the need for resilient food systems has never been more urgent.

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Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?

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Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?

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Is the climate change food crisis even worse than we imagined?

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Extreme weather and a growing population are driving a food security crisis. What can we do to break the vicious cycle of carbon emissions, climate change and soaring food costs – or is it already too late?

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Malaysia suffers more than 380 sq. km of paddy damage from floods

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Malaysia suffers more than 380 sq. km of paddy damage from floods

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Malaysia suffers more than 380 sq. km of paddy damage from floods

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Farmers reeling in state of Kedah, which grows about half of the nation’s rice

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Farmers hit as large swathes of paddy fields damaged by floods in Malaysia

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Farmers hit as large swathes of paddy fields damaged by floods in Malaysia

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Farmers hit as large swathes of paddy fields damaged by floods in Malaysia

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Most affected areas had been recently planted with seeds, said a local official. Read more at straitstimes.com.

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Chill-proof tomatoes? CRISPR gene-editing breakthrough - Growers for Biotechnology

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Chill-proof tomatoes? CRISPR gene-editing breakthrough - Growers for Biotechnology

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Chill-proof tomatoes? CRISPR gene-editing breakthrough - Growers for Biotechnology

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In a significant advancement for agricultural biotechnology, researchers have identified a genetic mechanism that enhances the cold tolerance of tomatoes. This breakthrough is pivotal for cultivating crops in cooler climates, ensuring stable yields and bolstering global food security. The study focuses on the SlGAD2 gene, which, when overexpressed, elevates the plant’s γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels,…

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RM 32mil in rice yield lost in flood, says Mat Sabu

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RM 32mil in rice yield lost in flood, says Mat Sabu

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Vegetable farmers anxious about prolonged hot season

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Vegetable farmers anxious about prolonged hot season

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Vegetable farmers anxious about prolonged hot season

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The Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations of Malaysia expressed concerns that the government might decide to import certain vegetables to meet…

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Ghana releases first GMO crop for commercial cultivation - Growers for Biotechnology

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Ghana releases first GMO crop for commercial cultivation - Growers for Biotechnology

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Ghana releases first GMO crop for commercial cultivation - Growers for Biotechnology

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The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute has released the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea, the first genetically modified crop (GMO) to be developed in the country, for commercial cultivation. This cowpea variety is resistant to diseases and pests, particularly the pod borer, matures early, is highly nutritious, and produces higher yields. With…

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Should Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Be Grown

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Should Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Be Grown

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Gene editing - Applications, Controversies | Britannica

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Gene editing - Applications, Controversies: CRISPR-Cas9 has been used in a variety of ways. For example, it has been applied to early embryos to create genetically modified organisms, and it has been injected into the bloodstream in laboratory animals to achieve substantial gene editing in subsets of tissues. Approaches based on CRISPR-Cas9 have been used to modify the genomes of crop plants, farm animals, and laboratory model organisms, including mice, rats, and nonhuman primates. By modifying the genomes of bacteriophages (bacteria-killing viruses) with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, scientists have been able to develop methods to destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria. CRISPR-Cas9 systems also enabled the creation of animal models

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Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

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Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

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On This Page:

Overview

Agriculture is an important sector of the U.S. economy. The crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the United States contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year. When food-service and other agriculture-related industries are included, the agricultural and food sectors contribute more than $750 billion to the gross domestic product.

Agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on the climate. Increases in temperature and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase some crop yields in some places. But to realize these benefits, nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions must also be met. Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers and ranchers and threaten food safety. Meanwhile, warmer water temperatures are likely to cause the habitat ranges of many fish and shellfish species to shift, which could disrupt ecosystems. Overall, climate change could make it more difficult to grow crops, raise animals, and catch fish in the same ways and same places as we have done in the past. The effects of climate change also need to be considered along with other evolving factors that affect agricultural production, such as changes in farming practices and technology.

Impacts on Crops

Crops grown in the United States are critical for the food supply here and around the world. U.S. farms supply nearly 25% of all grains (such as wheat, corn, and rice) on the global market.[4] Changes in temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO ₂), and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather could have significant impacts on crop yields.

For any particular crop, the effect of increased temperature will depend on the crop's optimal temperature for growth and reproduction. In some areas, warming may benefit the types of crops that are typically planted there, or allow farmers to shift to crops that are currently grown in warmer areas. Conversely, if the higher temperature exceeds a crop's optimum temperature, yields will decline.

Higher CO₂ levels can affect crop yields. Some laboratory experiments suggest that elevated CO₂ levels can increase plant growth. However, other factors, such as changing temperatures, ozone, and water and nutrient constraints, may counteract these potential increases in yield. For example, if temperature exceeds a crop's optimal level, if sufficient water and nutrients are not available, yield increases may be reduced or reversed. Elevated CO₂ has been associated with reduced protein and nitrogen content in alfalfa and soybean plants, resulting in a loss of quality. Reduced grain and forage quality can reduce the ability of pasture and rangeland to support grazing livestock.

More extreme temperature and precipitation can prevent crops from growing. Extreme events, especially floods and droughts, can harm crops and reduce yields. For example, in 2010 and 2012, high nighttime temperatures affected corn yields across the U.S. Corn Belt, and premature budding due to a warm winter caused $220 million in losses of Michigan cherries in 2012.

Dealing with drought could become a challenge in areas where rising summer temperatures cause soils to become drier. Although increased irrigation might be possible in some places, in other places water supplies may also be reduced, leaving less water available for irrigation when more is needed.

Many weeds, pests, and fungi thrive under warmer temperatures, wetter climates, and increased CO₂ levels. Currently, U.S. farmers spend more than $11 billion per year to fight weeds, which compete with crops for light, water, and nutrients. The ranges and distribution of weeds and pests are likely to increase with climate change. This could cause new problems for farmers' crops previously unexposed to these species.

Though rising CO₂ can stimulate plant growth, it also reduces the nutritional value of most food crops. Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reduce the concentrations of protein and essential minerals in most plant species, including wheat, soybeans, and rice. This direct effect of rising CO₂ on the nutritional value of crops represents a potential threat to human health. Human health is also threatened by increased pesticide use due to increased pest pressures and reductions in the efficacy of pesticides.

Impacts on Livestock

Americans consume more than 36 million metric tons of meat and poultry annually. Livestock and poultry account for over half of U.S. agricultural cash receipts, often over $100 billion per year. Changes in climate could affect animals both directly and indirectly.

Heat waves, which are projected to increase under climate change, could directly threaten livestock. In 2011, exposure to high temperature events caused over $1 billion in heat-related losses to agricultural producers. Heat stress affects animals both directly and indirectly. Over time, heat stress can increase vulnerability to disease, reduce fertility, and reduce milk production.

Drought may threaten pasture and feed supplies. Drought reduces the amount of quality forage available to grazing livestock. Some areas could experience longer, more intense droughts, resulting from higher summer temperatures and reduced precipitation. For animals that rely on grain, changes in crop production due to drought could also become a problem.

Climate change may increase the prevalence of parasites and diseases that affect livestock. The earlier onset of spring and warmer winters could allow some parasites and pathogens to survive more easily. In areas with increased rainfall, moisture-reliant pathogens could thrive.

Potential changes in veterinary practices, including an increase in the use of parasiticides and other animal health treatments, are likely to be adopted to maintain livestock health in response to climate-induced changes in pests, parasites, and microbes. This could increase the risk of pesticides entering the food chain or lead to evolution of pesticide resistance, with subsequent implications for the safety, distribution, and consumption of livestock and aquaculture products.

Increases in carbon dioxide (CO₂) may increase the productivity of pastures, but may also decrease their quality. Increases in atmospheric CO₂ can increase the productivity of plants on which livestock feed. However, the quality of some of the forage found in pasturelands decreases with higher CO₂. As a result, cattle would need to eat more to get the same nutritional benefits.

Impacts on Fisheries

American fishermen catch or harvest five million metric tons of fish and shellfish each year. U.S. fisheries contribute more than $1.55 billion to the economy annually (as of 2012). Many fisheries already face multiple stresses, including overfishing and water pollution. Climate change may worsen these stresses. In particular, temperature changes could lead to significant impacts.

The ranges of many fish and shellfish species may change. In waters off the northeastern United States, several economically important species have shifted northward since the late 1960s. The three species shown in [the figure to the left] (American lobster, red hake, and black sea bass) have moved northward by an average of 119 miles.

Many aquatic species can find colder areas of streams and lakes or move north along the coast or in the ocean. Nevertheless, moving into new areas may put these species into competition with other species over food and other resources, as explained on the Ecosystems Impacts page.

Some marine disease outbreaks have been linked with changing climate. Higher water temperatures and higher estuarine salinities have enabled an oyster parasite to spread farther north along the Atlantic coast. Winter warming in the Arctic is contributing to salmon diseases in the Bering Sea and a resulting reduction in the Yukon Chinook Salmon, Finally, warmer temperatures have caused disease outbreaks in coral, eelgrass, and abalone.

Changes in temperature and seasons can affect the timing of reproduction and migration. Many steps within an aquatic animal's lifecycle are controlled by temperature and the changing of the seasons. For example, in the Northwest warmer water temperatures may affect the lifecycle of salmon and increase the likelihood of disease. Combined with other climate impacts, these effects are projected to lead to large declines in salmon populations.

In addition to warming, the world's oceans are gradually becoming more acidic due to increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO ₂). Increasing acidity could harm shellfish by weakening their shells, which are created by removing calcium from seawater. Acidification also threatens the structures of sensitive ecosystems upon which some fish and shellfish rely.

International Impacts

Climate change is very likely to affect food security at the global, regional, and local level. Climate change can disrupt food availability, reduce access to food, and affect food quality. For example, projected increases in temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, changes in extreme weather events, and reductions in water availability may all result in reduced agricultural productivity. Increases in the frequency and severity extreme weather events can also interrupt food delivery, and resulting spikes in food prices after extreme events are expected to be more frequent in the future. Increasing temperatures can contribute to spoilage and contamination.

Internationally, these effects of climate change on agriculture and food supply are likely to be similar to those seen in the United States. However, other stressors such as population growth may magnify the effects of climate change on food security. In developing countries, adaptation options like changes in crop-management or ranching practices, or improvements to irrigation are more limited than in the United States and other industrialized nations.

Any climate-related disturbance to food distribution and transport, internationally or domestically, may have significant impacts not only on safety and quality but also on food access. For example, the food transportation system in the United States frequently moves large volumes of grain by water. In the case of an extreme weather event affecting a waterway, there are few, if any, alternate pathways for transport. High temperatures and a shortage of rain in the summer of 2012 led to one of the most severe summer droughts the nation has seen and posed serious impacts to the Mississippi River watershed, a major transcontinental shipping route for Midwestern agriculture. This drought resulted in significant food and economic losses due to reductions in barge traffic, the volume of goods carried, and the number of Americans employed by the tugboat industry. The 2012 drought was immediately followed by flooding throughout the Mississippi in the spring of 2013, which also resulted in disruptions of barge traffic and food transport. Transportation changes such as these reduce the ability of farmers to export their grains to international markets, and can affect global food prices.

Impacts to the global food supply concern the United States because food shortages can cause humanitarian crises and national security concerns. They also can increase domestic food prices.

References
[6] CCSP (2008). The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture, Land Resources, Water Resources, and Biodiversity in the United States. A Report by the U.S. Climate Change Science Program and the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. Backlund, P., A. Janetos, D. Schimel, J. Hatfield, K. Boote, P. Fay, L. Hahn, C. Izaurralde, B.A. Kimball, T. Mader, J. Morgan, D. Ort, W. Polley, A. Thomson, D. Wolfe, M. Ryan, S. Archer, R. Birdsey, C. Dahm, L. Heath, J. Hicke, D. Hollinger, T. Huxman, G. Okin, R. Oren, J. Randerson, W. Schlesinger, D. Lettenmaier, D. Major, L. Poff, S. Running, L. Hansen, D. Inouye, B.P. Kelly, L Meyerson, B. Peterson, and R. Shaw. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA. [8] USDA (2012). 2012 Census of Agriculture: Volume 1, Chapter 1: U.S. National Level Data, Table 33. U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Climate Impacts on Agriculture and Food Supply

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Agriculture is an important sector of the U.S. economy. The crops, livestock, and seafood produced in the United States contribute more than $300 billion to the economy each year. When food-service and other agriculture-related industries are included, the agricultural and food sectors contribute more than $750 billion to the gross domestic product.

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Developing climate-resilient crops is essential for global food security

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Developing climate-resilient crops is essential for global food security

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Developing climate-resilient crops is essential for global food security

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Increasing heat, droughts, floods, and salinization caused by climate change are lowering the amount of edible food produced by our staple crops.

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The high costs and uncertainty about the regulation of GMOs have slowed the rate of innovation of new traits and prevented the development of many second-generation varieties that could improve our well-being, enhance environmental sustainability and make a major contribution to addressing climate change.

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Meet the Climate-Defying Fruits and Vegetables in Your Future

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Meet the Climate-Defying Fruits and Vegetables in Your Future

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Meet the Climate-Defying Fruits and Vegetables in Your Future (Published 2023)

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Hot-weather cherries, drought-resistant melons and six other crops in the works that could change how we eat in a fast-warming world.

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Only 12 Plant Species And 5 Animals Feeding The Entire World? Here’s The Truth.

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Only 12 Plant Species And 5 Animals Feeding The Entire World? Here’s The Truth.

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Only 12 Plant Species And 5 Animals Feeding The Entire World? Here’s The Truth - News18

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As per reports, around 400 crore people in the world depend on these few plants and animals to satisfy their hunger.

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Group 2

Group has shown an excellent discussion. I would attribute it to their extensive reading. They even referred to their experience and knowledge of attending a talk in their field.

Congrats to the group. They do not have to for another round of group discussion.

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We dislike GM Foods because we're ignorant about them

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We dislike GM Foods because we're ignorant about them

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We dislike GM Foods because we're ignorant about them | New Straits Times

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GM rice could accidentally contaminate natural rice varieties around the site through animals, machinery or workers involved. This is a serious biosafety concern but it can be prevented.

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Scientists think GMO crops may help us deal with climate change

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Scientists think GMO crops may help us deal with climate change

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Scientists think GMO crops may help us deal with climate change - The World from PRX

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Roger Deal is trying to figure out how plants remember drought. An assistant professor of biochemistry and genetics at Emory University, Deal says most plants have a kind of memory for stress. When experiencing water shortage, for example, plants close the holes in their leaves, called stomata, to reduce water loss from their tissues. This […]

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Ms, we are still in the process of updating our reading table from time to time.

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Engineers design plants using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to improve taste, nutritional content, and resilience. However, people have concerns over their safety, and there is much debate about the pros and cons of using GMOs.

Scientists create GMO foods by introducing genetic material, or DNA, from a different organism through genetic engineering.

Most of the currently available GMO foods are plants, such as fruit and vegetables.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates all foods from genetically engineered plants. They must meet the same safety requirements as non-GMO foods.

GMO foods are likely to become a crucial tool in feeding the world's growing population, especially in areas with harsh climates. However, there have been concerns about possible risks.

In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of GMO crops, including their potential effects on human health and the environment.

Manufacturers use genetic modification to give foods desirable traits.

Potential advantages of GMO crops :

increased attractiveness to consumers, for example, apples and potatoes that are less likely to bruise or turn brown

enhanced flavor

longer shelf life and therefore less waste

greater resistance to viruses and other diseases, which could lead to less waste and increased food security

greater tolerance to herbicides, making it easier for farmers to control weeds

increased nutritional value, as in golden rice, which can boost the health of people with limited access to food

greater resistance to insects, allowing farmers to pesticide use

ability to thrive in a harsh climate, such as drought or heat

ability to grow in salty soil

Growing plants that are more resistant to diseases spread by insects or viruses will likely result in higher yields for farmers and a more attractive product.

All these factors contribute to lower costs for the consumer and can ensure that more people have access to quality food.

Genetically engineering foods is a relatively new practice, which means the long-term effects on safety are not yet clear.

Many concerns about the disadvantages relate to human health. Scientists have not yet shown that GMO foods are harmful to health, but research is ongoing.

Allergic reactions

There is a small risk that GMO foods can trigger an allergic reaction, but this will only happen if the genetic change triggers the production of an allergen.

For instance, if scientists combine a gene from a Brazil nut with a soybean, there is a slight chance that a person with a nut allergy could have an allergic reaction to products made with the soybean.

The World Health Organization (WHO) discourages genetic engineers from using DNA from allergens unless they can prove that the gene itself does not cause the problem.

Scientists assess the likelihood of GMO foods causing an allergic reaction in humans before a product reaches the market, and can prevent its launch if necessary.

Cancer

There have been concerns that eating GMO foods can contribute to the development of cancer by raising levels of potentially carcinogenic substances in the body.

The American Cancer Society states there is no evidence that currently available GMO foods either increase or reduce the risk of cancer.

While cancer rates have changed over time in the U.S., there is no evidence that these changes coincide with the introduction of GMO foods. If there is a link, it could take several more years before a trend emerges.

Antibacterial resistance

Some GMOs contain changes that make them resistant to certain antibiotics. In theory, the genes from these plants could enter humans or animals when they eat them. As a result, the person or animal could also develop antibiotic resistance.

The likelihood of this happening is very small, but the and other health authorities have guidelines in place to prevent it.

Changes in human DNA

In 2009, some food scientists noted that food DNA can survive as far as the gut, and there have been concerns that this could affect the immune system.

Some people have also raised fears that eating GMO food could lead to genetic changes in humans. However, most of the DNA in food - whether GMO or not - either is destroyed by cooking or breaks down before it reaches the large intestine.

Small fragments of DNA from food can and do enter the bloodstream and body organs, but there is no evidence that they have any impact on genetic makeup or human health.

Toxicity for body organs

In 2009, some researchers suggested that GMO foods might impact the liver, kidney, pancreas, and reproductive system. They did not have evidence to confirm this and called for further studies.

The use of GMO crops may even reduce the risk of toxicity from some substances, as farmers can avoid using pesticides that have been harmful in the past.

Climate change and severe weather events are disrupting food production and supply. GMO foods could help maintain supplies in the face of changing environmental conditions and a growing population.

Pros

Genetically modifying some foods could make them:

easier to store and transport

less prone to waste due to disease and aging

more likely to grow in areas with poor quality soil

higher in nutrients

Also, a suggests GMO foods could help slow climate change by reducing greenhouse gases.

Cons

Environmental concerns :

the risk of outcrossing, where genes from GMO foods pass into wild plants and other crops

a negative impact on insects and other species

reduction in other plant types, leading to a loss of biodiversity

The risks will vary depending on local conditions.

In the U.S., the does not require special labeling for GMO foods. This is because they must meet the same safety standards as other foods, and there should be no need for additional regulation.

However, a GMO food needs a special label if it is "materially different" from its conventional counterpart. For example:

a GMO canola oil with more lauric acid than traditional canola oil will be labeled "laurate canola oil"

a GMO soybean oil with more oleic acid than non-GMO soybean oil must be labeled "high oleic soybean oil"

a GMO soybean oil with a high level of stearidonic acid, which does not naturally occur in the oil, must be labeled "stearidonate soybean oil"

However, the 2018 National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard states that all foods containing genetically engineered ingredients must now carry the label "derived from bioengineering" or "bioengineered." Specific symbols show whether a food has been bioengineered.

Foods that are bioengineered and products that contain bioengineered foods must carry a specific label. If a product does not have this kind of label, it does not contain bioengineered ingredients.

Foods that are likely to be GMO :

sugar beet, as 99.9% of sugar beet in the U.S. is GMO

canola products, as 95% of them are GMO in the U.S.

soybean products, since 94% of soybean in the U.S. is GMO

corn, as 92% of corn planted in the U.S. is GMO

cottonseed oil, since 94% of cotton is GMO

Many GMO crops also become ingredients in other foods, for example:

cornstarch in soups and sauces

corn syrup used as a sweetener

corn, canola, and soybean oils in mayonnaise, dressings, and bread

sugar derived from sugar beets

Genetic modification is when scientists insert new DNA into the gene pool of an existing plant.

For this to happen, the following needs to take place:

1. Scientists transfer new DNA into plant cells.

2. They grow the cells in tissue culture, and a plant develops.

3. The new plant produces seeds.

4. A person grows plants from the new seeds.

5. The new plants will have genetic features that make them, for example, more nutritious or resistant to pests, disease, or climate factors.

For thousands of years, people have used processes such as selective breeding or crossbreeding to produce more viable crops. However, changes took a long time to achieve, and it was hard to make specific changes.

In recent years, developments in genetic engineering have allowed scientists to make specific changes more quickly. The crops produced in this way are called GMO crops. The first GMO food to appear on the market was a tomato, in .

The following are the most common GMO crops produced and sold in the U.S.:

Derivatives of these foods, such as cornstarch and sugar, also feature in other manufactured foods. It is worth noting that of all sugar beet harvested in the U.S. is GMO, as well as over 90% of all canola, corn, soybean, and cotton.

Below, we answer some questions people often ask about GMO foods.

What common foods are GMO?

The likelihood that any food derived from corn, cottonseed, soybean, canola, or sugar beet will be GMO food in the U.S. is or higher.

Which GMO foods to avoid?

There is no specific GMO food to avoid. GMO foods undergo strict testing before they can be commercialized. Moreover, this could make them safer than other foods, which do not undergo testing.

Is GMO food safe?

Currently, there is no evidence that GMO foods cause cancer, allergies, or any other health conditions. However, research is ongoing.

What are the risks of GMO foods?

Health authorities vet all GMO and other foods for safety before manufacturers can sell them, and research is ongoing.

So far, scientists have found no evidence that commercially available GMO foods are dangerous for health. Environmental concerns the risk of altered genes entering wild species.

Genetic modification can make plants resistant to disease and tolerant of herbicides, and therefore, the process can increase the amount of food that farmers can grow. This in turn can reduce food prices and contribute to food security.

GMO crops are relatively new, and researchers are still investigating their long-term safety and health effects, but no evidence has yet emerged that currently available GMO foods are harmful to human health.

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Pros and cons of GMO foods: Health and environment

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Are genetically modified organism (GMO) foods safe? Learn what the research says about the effects of GMO foods on human health and the environment.