In recent decades, the widespread adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops has transformed agriculture in leading nations. However, the true extent of their environmental impact remains largely shrouded in mystery.
New research, published in Science on August 30, 2024, delves into the common genetic modifications in four major crops: soybean, corn, cotton, and canola. While GM crops offer enhanced yields and profits, they may inadvertently trigger changes in agricultural practices that have far-reaching environmental consequences. For instance, farmers might ramp up pesticide usage as crops gain resistance to herbicides or insect pests.
“Increasing land productivity in the form of greater crop yields can make agricultural land more profitable overall, which can encourage agricultural expansion,” explains co-author Eduardo Souza-Rodrigues, an associate professor and associate chair with the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto Mississauga. “However, increased supply may then reduce crop prices, which decreases the conversion of additional land to agriculture elsewhere. These changes have the potential to cause deforestation, pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and impacts to human health, and biodiversity.”
“Although we have made progress in understanding the impact GM crops have on our environment, there are many more uncertainties that need to be studied to support good farming practices that are better for the environment,” Souza-Rodrigues continued.
The study underscores the critical necessity for additional research to gain a comprehensive understanding of the enduring impacts of GM crops on large-scale agricultural practices and resistant pests.
It stresses the importance of acquiring more detailed environmental data, particularly pertaining to wildlife, to effectively gauge their effects and to cultivate farming techniques that actively promote sustainable agriculture.
Journal reference:
Frederik Noack et al. Environmental impacts of genetically modified crops. Science, 2024; DOI: 10.1126/science.ado9340
