How Ag Can Make GMOs More Acceptable

Because of their potential health, nutritional and environmental benefits, Genetically Modified foods, better known as GMOs, are gaining popularity with consumers, both here in the U.S. and abroad.  However, there are many who still have questions.

"Does it take a new food that's genetically-enhanced to get the consumer to realize maybe this is OK," said Farm broadcaster Jeff Nalley.

Such products are either in development or have been developed.  Examples include tomatoes with Lycopene and allergy-free peanuts.  But, Mary Kay Thatcher of Syngento says promoting GMO products that connect with consumers will be key in their acceptance.  Something learned when genetically-modified crops first gained public awareness over two decades ago.

"If we could have come up with a product that would have made tomatoes testier longer, that wouldn't have allowed a banana to go bad so quickly first, before coming up first with the corn or soybeans, we might very well have a lot better consumer acceptance."

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