Why Do Farmers in the U.S. Grow GMO Crops?
Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop and food loss and control weeds.
The three most common traits found in GMO crops are:
- Resistance to certain damaging insects
- Tolerance of certain herbicides used to control weeds
- Resistance to certain plant viruses
Farmers can use less spray pesticides when they plant GMO crops. This saves farmers money and reduces the amount of pesticides that end up on crops.
When farmers use herbicide-tolerant crops, they reduce the need to till the soil to control weeds. No-till planting helps to improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, lower fuel and labor use, and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.
Growing virus-resistant crops can also help farmers produce a sustainable, safe food supply while increasing the stability of their livelihoods.
Studies have shown positive economic and environmental impacts of growing GMO crops.