The recent agreement among related governments to ease regulations on new-generation GMOs has sparked a global debate, with the European Union at the epicenter of the controversy. As the world grapples with climate change and food security, the role of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has never been more contentious. Josep Casacuberta, a physics researcher at the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics in Barcelona and the chair of the GMO panel of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), has provided insights into the complex world of GMOs, challenging norms and sparking debate.
GMOs, by definition, are organisms whose genetic material has been altered in ways that do not occur naturally. Traditionally, GMOs were created by introducing artificial genes into an organism. However, new techniques have emerged that modify an organism’s DNA directly, without inserting external genes. These new genomics techniques (NGTs) represent the latest frontier in genetic engineering, promising to revolutionize agriculture and food production. “We are trying to obtain food in a way that has less impact on the environment. For example, using less water, using less inputs in terms of, for example, pesticides and herbicides etc. And to do that, we need better varieties adapted to this type of agriculture,” Casacuberta asserted.
The history of genetic modification dates back to the 1970s, with the pioneering work of US biochemists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen. However, the concept of modifying genomes is not new. Humans have been selectively breeding plants and animals for centuries to create varieties better suited to our needs. Broccoli, for instance, is a product of selective breeding from the wild cabbage. Casacuberta views GMOs as an additional tool for farmers to adapt crops to changing climates and extreme weather conditions. This perspective is crucial as the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges.
Globally, the United States leads in GMO production, with 74.4 million hectares dedicated to GM crops in 2023. Brazil and Argentina follow closely. In contrast, Europe has a minimal presence in GM cultivation, with just over 48,000 hectares, primarily in Spain. The EU’s cautious approach is evident in its approval of only one GM crop, MON 810 maize, for commercial cultivation. Several EU countries, including France and Germany, have banned GMOs due to environmental and health concerns. However, these countries are not GMO-free, as they import GMOs for animal feed.
The regulatory landscape in the EU is complex. Casacuberta explained that the lack of approval for new GMOs for cultivation has led companies to avoid seeking authorization. This regulatory stasis has implications for innovation and competitiveness in the European agricultural sector. The debate extends beyond regulation to the safety and ethics of GMOs. Casacuberta emphasized that GMOs are just a technique and that each organism developed is unique, requiring case-by-case risk assessment. EFSA, the EU’s risk assessment agency, ensures that GMOs approved for commercialization are safe for human and animal consumption.
Despite EFSA’s assurances, GMOs remain controversial. Public opinion often diverges from scientific consensus. A 2021 survey in Italy revealed that while 81% of agricultural scientists believe GMOs are safe, only 54% of the general public shares this view. The scientific community itself is divided. In 2024, 34 Nobel Prize winners urged the EU to ease its policy on genetic modifications to combat the climate crisis. Conversely, organizations like ENSSER raise concerns about GMOs’ impact on biodiversity and human health.
The easing of regulations on new-generation GMOs could significantly shape the future of the mining industry, particularly in the extraction of minerals crucial for agricultural technologies. As GMOs become more prevalent, the demand for specific minerals used in genetic engineering and biotechnology may increase. This shift could drive innovation in mining techniques and sustainability practices, as the industry adapts to meet the growing needs of the agricultural sector. The debate around GMOs is far from over, but one thing is clear: the decisions made today will have profound implications for the future of food security, environmental sustainability, and the mining industry.
