It has become widely accepted in society today that GMOs, or genetically modified organisms, are a negative contribution to not only the food industry, but also the American diet.  However, a survey by Rutgers University in 2013 published by Rutgers Today has revealed that more than half of the American public say they know very little or nothing about genetically modified (GM) foods. When asked whether GM foods are safe to eat, only 45% of Americans agreed. However, the research does not lie: GMOs are good for the environment and can aid in ending world hunger, despite what the American public thinks.

GMOs are organisms inserted with DNA from different species through the use of multiple genetic engineering techniques. While this process may sound like something one would see in a creepy sci-fi movie, it actually reaps many benefits (such as requiring less chemicals and being capable of growing in a variety of places), and has not been proven to harm humans that consume it. In fact, more than 60% of processed food in grocery stores across America include ingredients that have been genetically altered. This is because GMOs are harmless to consume. Despite the fact that many citizens in the U.S. are unsure about the safety of GM foods, it is not required by law for food companies to put if their product is a GMO or not in the U.S. This is because there has been no proof that they are unsafe, and it seems that most people are irrationally afraid of GMOs despite their positive attributes.

Contrary to popular belief, GM foods can be beneficial to the environment. GMOs cut down the use of pesticides because they are able to withstand more pests than normal crops. Pesticides are known for causing various health problems in humans and harming other organisms that were not intentionally targeted. GMOs can withstand harsh weather, allowing them to grow even in severe weather conditions. Areas that were once not able to produce crops can now yield genetically changed plants. This could help the human race prevent deforestation, because now people can plant crops in previously unused land.

It is estimated that nearly one in every nine people on earth do not have access to enough food. There is a good amount of controversy over whether GM foods can really produce a significant impact, but the capabilities of GMOs certainly suggests that humanity is one step closer to reducing world hunger. GMOs are more reliable than normal crops and allow people to grow crops on more land. GM foods grow in different kinds of environments, hence it’s easier for people who can not afford their own food to grow their own in places around the world. Since GMOs are more resistant to diseases,they provide a reliable food source that could revolutionize how humans eat in third-world countries.

Genetically modified food benefits the environment and could possibly help end world hunger in the future. The accepted unfavorable view on GMOs is inaccurate, and people need to be better informed about the topic before they start to downgrade it.  Genetically modified food is an asset to society because it can help people afford their own food and prevents humans from unintentionally consuming harmful pesticides.