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Genetically modified crops
What do we know about genetically modified crops? Could they be a risk to the environment? These pages discuss what GM crops are, the advantages they could offer and the potential risks they pose.
- What is a genetically modified organism (GMO)?
- Why produce GM crops?
- Where in the world are GM crops grown?
- Can GM crops harm the environment?
- Have scientists investigated how GM crops affect wildlife?
- What is the difference between selective breeding and genetic modification?
- Could GM crops cause environmental problems?
- Can transferred genes escape into other plants?
- Does it matter if genes do escape?
- Can farmers grow GM crops close to conventional crops?
- Will weedkiller tolerant crops support less wildlife?
- Could GMOs spread resistance to antibiotics?
- What are the long-term effects of GM crops on the environment?
- Can genes inserted into GM crops find their way into soil organisms?
- What is the future for GM crops?
- Who regulates GM organisms?
These pages were prepared with the help of scientists from the Department of the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and NERC's Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH). CEH is the UK's leading authority on how genetically modified crops affect biodiversity.
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