The Non-GMO Blog

Gene editing is not “precision breeding”, international scientists declare

International scientists and policy experts have presented a statement opposing the use of the term “precision breeding” to describe gene or genome editing. Led by Dr. Michael Antoniou, the statement is a response to the UK’s draft Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, which would remove or weaken regulatory controls for gene-editing technology. “Precision breeding” is […]

Cornell study links sustainable practices to farm size in organic production

A study recently published in Nature Plants surveyed 542 organic fruit and vegetable farmers about the use of eight agroecological practices that promote sustainability. “We wanted to look at how the practices differ between small-scale organic farms… and those huge farms that supply organic produce to big box stores,” said Jeffrey Liebert, PhD, who studied […]

Gene edited purple tomato hyped in the media while non-GMO purple tomatoes have been available for many years

A new genetically modified tomato manufactured by Norfolk Plant Sciences is “unlikely to pose an increased plant pest risk compared to a conventional tomato,” USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) reported in its first Regulatory Status Review of a GM plant under the SECURE rule. The deep purple tomatoes may thus be legally […]

PepsiCo, ADM announce agreement to support regenerative agriculture practices on up to 2 million acres of farmland

Strategic partnership between two global companies, with footprints extending from the farm gate to foods and beverages, provides unique opportunity to expand regenerative agriculture at scale Grain processing giant ADM and global food manufacturer PepsiCo recently announced a 7.5-year strategic commercial agreement to collaborate on projects that aim to significantly expand regenerative agriculture across their shared North […]

Five ancient (and new) drought-tolerant grains could help feed a warming world

Mono-cropping has neglected thousands of plant varieties with traits offering resilience against drought, epidemics, and natural disasters. Rice, wheat, and corn represent half the world’s calories, but increase soil erosion, plant-borne disease, and more. Four ancient crops and one new one—highly nutritious and drought-resistant—offer hope for our global warming crisis. Amaranth, whose seeds resemble buckwheat […]