Category: Agricultural policy

With a budget exceeding $200 billion in recent years, the USDA plays a pivotal role in the American economy and food supply. Its vast portfolio encompasses a wide range of initiatives that affect millions of Americans, from assisting farmers with financial aid to ensuring low-income families have access to nutritious food.

According to numerous consumer polls over the last decade, more than 90% of consumers support mandatory GMO labeling, highlighting a significant public desire for greater transparency. This demand stems from a variety of factors, but the pros of GMO labeling are primarily centered around consumer empowerment and a more accountable food system.

According to the USDA, over 90% of corn and soy grown in the United States is genetically modified. The term “GMO friendly” often appears in discussions about food, but it lacks a formal definition and can be easily misunderstood by consumers navigating complex food labels and policy debates.

While often debated for health impacts, the USDA reports that over 90% of US corn, cotton, and soy come from GMO seeds. This reality prompts a deeper question: what is the real problem with GMO foods, beyond popular misconceptions?

According to a 2015 Pew Research Center survey, 88% of scientists agreed that genetically modified (GM) foods were safe, while only 37% of the American public shared that view. This wide disparity in perception is a central reason why shouldn't GM foods be labeled, as mandatory labels could amplify public fears unsupported by science.

According to a 2015 Eurobarometer survey, a majority of EU citizens, 54%, felt that genetically modified foods were not safe for them or their family. This perception, alongside a host of complex factors, explains why genetically modified foods are banned in certain countries, contrasting with their widespread acceptance elsewhere.

In the United States, over 55% of harvested cropland used seed varieties with at least one genetically modified trait in 2020, highlighting the pervasive presence of GM crops. Understanding **why do the USA use GMOs?** requires an examination of agricultural efficiency, economic benefits for farmers, and specific consumer-focused enhancements.

Over 60 countries, including all members of the European Union, have implemented significant restrictions or outright bans on genetically modified (GM) crops, even as GM products have been grown commercially for over 25 years. The question of **why are GMOs banned** or heavily regulated involves a complex and often heated debate encompassing scientific evidence, public perception, and political interests.