The American Academy of Sciences presented a favorable report on GMOs. They would be dangerous neither for health, nor for the environment… apparently.
By compiling the results of 900 studies on genetically modified organisms, American experts wanted “to obtain a new perspective on all the data relating to GMOs and crops developed by conventional methods”. In their report presented by the American Academy of Sciences, they believe that GM crops would pose no more danger to the environment and health than conventional crops.
“We drew very deep into the scientific literature to get a new perspective on all the data on GMOs and crops grown by conventional methods,” explained Prof. Fred Gould, entomologist at the University of State of North Carolina, and who led the fifty scientists who produced the nearly 400-page report.
In particular, the results seem to show that the biological diversity of plants and wild insects has not suffered from the introduction of GMOs, even if cases of gene transfer have been observed. On the side of human health, same observation. No chronic illness has been associated with GMO products.
Difficulty of evaluation
If until now, no study has made it possible to establish any link between GMOs and particular risks, they nevertheless admit that it can be difficult “to detect subtle or long-term effects” on the health, and that it can be complex “to assess long-term changes in the environment, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions”.
The experts recruited by the Academy of Sciences also wanted to specify certain positive effects. In particular, they highlight the reduction in the use of pesticides linked to the use of GMO crops, or the creation of golden rice, a rice enriched in vitamin A which could help fight against deficiencies in Africa or in Africa. South East Asia.
Reassuring but to watch
But conversely, certain points deserve significant vigilance. In particular, the experts insist on the “serious problem for agriculture” that the resistance developed by insects could represent. They also insist on the need to evaluate the new products created: “New varieties which present, intentionally or not, novel traits that may represent a danger must undergo safety tests, regardless of whether they have been developed with techniques. conventional or by genetic manipulation ”.
Worldwide, 12% of crops are genetically modified. They mainly concern corn, soybeans and cotton. The breadth of information and opinions on this topic has generated confusion, says Gould. “We hope this study will start a real discussion and bring a new perspective,” he said.
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