As winter moves along, and spring gardening materials begin to fill shelves, you may have seen seed packets marked non-GMO. That distinction might sound important enough to justify paying a higher price if you have reservations about whether genetically modified plants are safe, but don't be fooled. John Porter, West Virginia University Extension's Kanawha County agriculture agent says such labeling is actually meaningless.
"There are no GMO plants available to the general gardening public," Porter explained. "It is not profitable for companies to invest millions into researching and developing crops for sale on such a small scale. While the scientific community generally agrees that genetically modified crops are safe, some consumers still have reservations."
Porter said GMO crops are predominantly commodity crops for large-scale farmers.
"Those farmers have to sign agreements in order to purchase the seeds, so rest assured the seed rack at the local garden center is free of GMOs whether the packet says so or not," Porter added.
To learn more about WVU Extension programs, contact the WVU Extension Service Kanawha County office at kanawhacountyextension@mail.wvu.edu or visit www.ext.wvu.edu.