South Africa is far from an ideal country for crop production. Less than 15 % of its land is arable and there are serious climatic constraints such as periodic droughts. Despite these circumstances, productivity must increase to provide food security for a growing population.
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In the past, crop yield and quality have been significantly increased by procedures such as selection and crossbreeding. But as our understanding of genetics has increased, scientists have found ways of speeding up this process.
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By means of genetic modification technology, desirable characteristics can now be achieved in plants in a more accurate and effective way.
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Genetic modification provides us with a way of meeting the growing demand for food without placing even greater pressure on our scarce resources.
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It allows us to grow better-quality crops with higher yields while at the same time sustaining and protecting the environment.
As with many new scientific innovations, genetic modification has generated many debates and has been subject to sensational media coverage. The questions raised need enlightened answers.
What is genetic modification?
A genetically modified organism means any organism; the genes or genetic material of which has been modified in a way that does not occur naturally through mating or natural recombination or both. ( A gene is a biological unit that determines an ogranism’s inherited characteristics.) An example of a GMO is a maize plant that has been modified to contain a Cry gene from a bacterial organism named Bacillus thuringiensis, giving it built-in resistance to the maize stalk borer that destroys maize crops. This added characteristic reduces the need for chemical pesticides, which in turn also safeguards our environment.
Changes that can result from genetic modification and the benefits thereof
Plants can be modified to increase their resistance to insects, disease and other pests that are capable of destroying or seriously damaging crops. This not only results in an increase in the yield of these crops, but also reduces the need for pesticides. Reduced pesticide use implies decreased pollution and increased safety for farm workers and those living nearby, as well as less harm to animal life. Food quality is improved because there is less fungal infection, insect damage and residual pesticide. In addition, less time and energy is spent in producing the crop.
Plants can also be modified to have stress-resistant qualities, improved taste and appearance and better processing characteristics. Improvements can be made to nutritional qualities such as Vitamin A, which can play an important role in combating deficiency diseases in millions of people. Eliminating nutritional deficiency helps to promote a healthy population and productivity.
Are GM foods safe to eat?
All genetically modified foods are carefully assessed by independent laboratories to ensure that they are equal or better in all ways to the conventional product, and will not increase allergenicity or toxicity.
The Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997) was implemented on 1 December 1999, making provisions for new biosafety assessments of GMOs.
Existing legislation (Act No. 54 of 1972; Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants) oversees the safety of food in South Africa.
There is no evidence, to date, that shows genetically modified foods have an adverse effect on our health.
Will a human or animal that eats GM food become a GMO?
A human or animal that eats a transgenic food product will not become a GMO. The foreign gene in the GM food and the protein it produces, are digested like any other food protein. A genetically modified human or animal must have a new gene permanently inserted into its body by means of genetic modification technology to become a GMO; this is not possible by ingestion.
Will GMO genes "escape" into the environment, with unforeseeable consequences?
Outcrossing is basic to nature and is not specific to, or created by, genetically modified crops. Outcrossing is predictable and will occur only among closely related plants growing in close proximity and flowering at the same time. The focus should therefore be on the consequences; outcrossing by itself does not constitute a hazard.
All genetically modified crops are thoroughly evaluated to assess the potential of a trait outcrossing. If safety cannot be demonstrated, the product is not approved or produced.
Is genetic modification restricted to the food industry only?
No, there are many applications including health care. Medicines are already being produced through genetic modification.
Is it ethical to move genes between organisms?
Ethics are personal issues and people’s views based on their religious, spiritual, and personal beliefs must be respected. Scientists see genetic modification as a natural progression in crop development. Humanity has utilised and changed nature for its own benefit for thousands of years. By means of selection and crossbreeding we have brought about changes in nature, resulting in enormous benefits.
Are there GM crops or products in South Africa?
All GMO permits are issued under the Genetically Modified Organisms Act, 1997 (Act No. 15 of 1997). Before the Act was implemented, the National Department of Agriculture used interim guidelines to regulate the safety of all GMO trials and commercial releases, i.e. an amendment under the Agricultural Pest Act, 1983 (Act No. 36 of 1983).
There are no fresh GM fruit and vegetables on sale in South Africa, but a small quantity of yellow maize and soy-bean have been approved for animal feed. All imported processed foods from the USA and Argentina that may contain genetically modified ingredients will soon be regulated through labelling regulations to be promulgated by the Department of Health.
The National Department of Agriculture has given approval for the planting of three GM crops: insect resistant cotton, herbicide resistant cotton and insect resistant maize.
Should GM foods be labelled?
Consumers should be empowered to make informed choices about the purchase of GM products. However, labelling a product as "GMO-free" may be construed to mean that it is superior or preferred, and may incorrectly imply that all other products contain GMOs. Regulators, consumers and industry are currently discussing procedures to accurately inform consumers about foods containing GM products.
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