Produced in collaboration with:
Myth: GMOs are large, tasteless and seedless
Reality: GMOs are developed to solve specific problems like pests and disease or nutrient deficiency. Genetic modification has no impact on size or taste. Seedless fruits normally derive from grafted plants, like citrus, which are not GMOs.
Myth: GMOs cannot grow without fertilizers
Reality: Fertilizers (organic or synthetic) are applied to replenish soil fertility and boost crop growth. All crops require adequate soil nutrients and fertilizer for optimum yields.
Myth: GMOs must be sprayed with chemicals to yield well
Reality: Each genetically modified crop is unique, but none are dependent on chemical sprays to yield well. Some GMO crops can tolerate the application of herbicides to control weeds. Other GMO crops have a built-in resistance to pests or diseases, which reduces or eliminates the need for chemical sprays. Ultimately, the farmer decides whether to spray based on the specific field conditions.
Myth: Europe does not consume GMOs
Reality: Five European countries (Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia) grow GM crops. All European nations import GM commodity crops, like maize and soy, for livestock feed, as well as processed foods for humans that contain GMO ingredients. European agencies have found no safety issues with GMOs currently under cultivation.
Myth: GMOs will replace indigenous varieties
Reality: The science of biotechnology is being used to protect indigenous crops from drought, salinity, pests and diseases so that they can continue to be grown successfully by small-holder farmers.
Myth: GMO crops are foreign and different from what we consume
Reality: Each nation has its own scientists who are developing genetically modified crops that best meet the needs of their own farmers and consumers. They modify crops that local communities have been growing in order to solve common challenges, like pests and plant diseases.
Myth: GMOs cause diseases
Reality: There is no evidence anywhere in the world of GMO crops causing diseases or death among humans or livestock. GMOs are the safest foods that have ever been produced because they undergo extensive testing before they are made available to the public. Improper handling of any food can cause illness, so food safety guidelines should always be followed.
Myth: GMOs will enslave Africans, making them dependent on seed companies
Reality: Farmers have always had the freedom to decide what to plant, and that will not change with GMO crops. In most nations, local seed companies manage and sell GMO seeds, so farmers can access seeds the same way they always have. Farmers can also save and share seeds from certain GMO crops, while other crops require new seed purchases each year, as with hybrids, to maintain their vigor.
Myth: Africa does not need GMOs
Reality: Africa needs crops that can resist pests and disease, tolerate drought, grow without the extensive use of fertilizer and pesticides, and provide nutritious foods. Africa needs crops that can help small-holder farmers thrive. GMO is a major tool for meeting these needs. So yes, Africa needs GMOs.
Myth: GMOs will prevent farmers from selling organic products to the European market
Reality: Farmers make the choice of what market they want to supply. GMO crops give them another option.
Myth: GMO seeds will not be affordable for smallholder farmers
Reality: In Africa, most crops — both GMO and non-GMO — are developed by public research organizations. These crops typically have no patent, so they can be sold at affordable prices. Most governments and non-governmental organizations in Africa support smallholder farmers and are working to make sure they can afford to buy whatever seeds they choose to plant.
Myth: GMOs will make soil infertile
Reality: Soil infertility is brought about by several factors, including cultivating the same crop on the same land over and over without adding in nutrients; overgrazing; erosion. Every crop, whether it’s GMO or non-GMO, removes nutrients from the soil. If nutrients are not added, the soil becomes less fertile and is unable to support strong plant growth and good yields. This is true for all forms of agriculture.