Here are 10 common myths about agriculture, debunked.
Myth 1: Modern agriculture uses way too many chemicals and pesticides.
While it’s true that pesticides and fertilizers are necessary in moderation to help efficiently and healthfully produce the large, blemish-free produce sold at the grocery store, they’re not the be-all and end-all. Today’s farmers are constantly striving to find the most sustainable production methods that protect soil and human health.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and precision farming help reduce chemical usage, protect native wildlife, and promote healthier ecosystems.
Myth 2: Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are dangerous.
GMOs have sometimes been given a bad rap, but they’re not the villains they’re made out to be. Scientists have spent years meticulously researching and developing GMOs to enhance crop resilience, increase yields, and even improve nutritional content. Numerous studies have shown that GMOs are safe for consumption and can be an essential tool in feeding a growing population.
One of these investigations includes an extensive analysis conducted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. This review examined over 900 publications and two decades’ worth of data to find “no substantiated evidence of a difference in risks to human health between current commercially available genetically engineered (GE) crops and conventionally bred crops.”
