Organic Versus Genetically Modified Crops

What is Natural versus Organic?

The difference between genetically modified (GM), natural and organic agriculture can at times be subtle. Natural agriculture means that, from the planting of the crops onward, all of the soil, water, fertilizers, and environment within the farm operation have not been chemically or scientifically modified. This does not prevent, however, the crops from being GM in the first place. Genetically modified usually refers to the human alteration of the chemical or biological composition of the seed or crop being planted. Only the label of organic certifies that the both the seeds and the full agricultural process are completely natural. Thus, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other government agencies have several classifications worldwide, including natural, organic, GM, and non-GM. According to the USDA, in order to qualify as organic, farms and processors must adhere to certain standards. These include:

• Preserve natural resources and biodiversity
• Support animal health and welfare
• Provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviours
• Only use approved materials
• Do not use genetically modified ingredients
• Receive annual onsite inspections
• Separate organic food from non-organic food

A Worldwide Discussion

In the 21st century, the distinction between GM and organic crops has become increasingly discussed and important worldwide. It is widely accepted that products that have been genetically modified at any stage in their development or cultivation are considered GM. Meanwhile, for a product to be considered organic it must be grown completely naturally throughout.

The United States is by far the largest grower of GM crops, at an estimated 70 million hectares of GM crops. The next largest GM producer is Brazil with approximately 31 million hectares. Though it is argued that genetic modification merely represents the acceleration of a natural process and yields favourable results, many countries have banned or severely restricted the cultivation of such crops as well as the import of GM goods. The most vocal socio-political entity against the consumption of GM crops is the European Union. Only a very small fraction of the farmland within the EU cultivates GM crops and said cultivation is limited to maize or corn, the most prolific and widely accepted GM crop. However, GM crops are still not accepted in many parts of the world, including Russia, Algeria, Nigeria, and Peru, amongst others. Some African nations go as far as not accepting food aid containing GM products.

Natural & Organic Opportunities

Conscious and demanding consumers are increasingly seeking out natural and organic products in the world’s market. Currently, the USDA estimates that the organic retail market represents $43 Billion in the US alone. This dynamic presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the food and agriculture industry. For example, the nut group – almonds, coconut, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts – is particularly promising thanks to health-conscious consumers and exports to a growing middle class in emerging markets. Furthermore, organic operations as well as non-GM technological farms can capitalize on the expanding niche of organic friendly consumers.

(Read more about how Brexit Creates Uncertainty and Opportunity in Agribusiness)