Lincoln. Neb. — Genetically modified crops don't hurt humans. In fact, they can help.
That was the message from five University of Nebraska researchers and professors who spoke at a citizen's forum on Saturday.
Stephen Baenziger, UNL agronomy and horticulture professor, said misleading information in the public domain about risks often drowns out the positives of genetically modified crops, such as reducing the need for pesticides and adding vitamins and minerals.
"They don't talk about the benefits," he said.
Michael Fromm, director for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Biotechnology, said there are no known cases of anyone becoming ill from eating products made with genetically modified crops.
"It's one thing to worry about it, but it helps to put it against that fact," Fromm said. "The record is actually perfect."
The citizen forum was sponsored by Leadership Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center. Some 50 randomly selected Lincoln and Lancaster County residents participated.
About 60 percent of the total acres of corn and 92 percent of soybeans planted last year in Nebraska were genetically modified, according to the policy center. In 2003, genetically modified crops accounted for 25 percent of the cultivated acreage worldwide.
Jerry Minchow, a producer who participated in the forum, said he already knew the crops were safe. He said raising crops genetically modified to be resistant to insects means he doesn't have to use pesticides that contaminate water or pose dangers to people.
"This helps me and helps the environment," he said.
Genetically modified plants have gone through more rigorous testing than nonmodified foods, said Professor Anne Vidaver, who heads the UNL Department of Plant Pathology.
Because a person's body breaks down foods, any problems would happen quickly, not long-term, Fromm said.
The panelists said labeling genetically modified food would be costly to manufacturers and consumers, and it also would be unnecessary.
"Is it worth it to label something that's inherently safe?" Baenziger said.
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