Definition Genetically Modified Organism

[charliep]

Parsley asked me to start a thread on a definition of GMO (there are differences Europe and North America).

Here is one from the first up on a google search.

[URL="http://www.answers.com/topic/genetically-modified-organism"]gmo definition[/URL]

<a href="http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/sci/biotech/gen/terexpe.shtml">cfia definition biotech terms</a>

Perhaps the reason is that with gene mapping and other new biotech plant breeding innovations, there will be lots of gray areas for regulation in the future. Unless there is a common international definition, there will be lots of disagreement in the future and potential for use as a non tariff trade barriers.

[charliep]

Perhaps a question in my mind is how to use biotech in dealing with agronomic issues.

Example might be fusarium. I see a couple of articles this month. The first is Randy Clear/CGC talking about a more virilant form of fusarium graminarium with more toxic DON (molds as a result of the disease). The second is a group of PEI wheat farmers who had to sell milling wheat into the feed market because it didn't meet a mills specifications (later found out to be wrong).

<a href="http://www.farmscape.com/f2ShowScript.aspx?i=23210>western Canada fusarium</a>

<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/09/21/pei-wheat-dumping-compensation.html>pei</a>

Should we limit our use of biotech science to deal with an issue like fusarium? Or just keep developing fungicides and using liberally? Just take the risk and treat as an act of God/unlucky consequence for the farmers that are impacted?

[charliep]

Have to be exact on links.

[URL="http://www.farmscape.com/f2ShowScript.aspx?i=23210"]fusarium[/URL]

[charliep]

[URL="http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/09/21/pei-wheat-dumping-compensation.html"]pei[/URL]

[parsley]

Yes, charliep, "gray" is certainly a word that describes the contentious undiscussed area of GM.

A lot of links here to read!Pars

[wd9]

Charlie, really there is no grey area. Does it occur in nature? If yes, then it is not GMO by definition. Agro bacterium is in nature and infects plants every day. That is nature, but change the bullets in the bacteria and then engineering is involved.

[wd9]

The other problem is GMO should be stricken from the use when describing or determining these definitions as it really refers to much too broad of a definition. It only ever seems to bring confusion. Use of the more accurate transgenic or mutagenesis are words that cause much less confusion.

GMO never was a useful word and with the help of many funded organizations the word continues to cause confusion and mistrust towards science, mainly to simply generate a purpose and more funding for those organizations.