Our world population is currently over 7 billion and is estimated to reach 2050 billion by 9,6. That means an additional 80 million gorges are fed each year, but we have a certain amount of land for agriculture.
Currently, it is estimated that there are 3,1 million people with malnutrition, which takes the lives of 795 million children each year. To eradicate world hunger and sustain our growing population without depleting all our available land, we need high yielding crops to use land to its full potential.
Low-yielding crops, such as organically grown conventional crops, are not nearly as productive as to maximize available land.
Mass-produced conventional crops require large amounts of pesticides and can have many harmful consequences for the environment. The term pesticide is a general term encompassing insecticides, herbicides and fungicides used to control insect, weed and fungal populations, respectively.
Pesticide use on maize crops in Germany in 2008 had unprecedented effects on bee populations. “On average 50-60% of bees have died and some beekeepers have lost all their hives,” said Manfred Hederer, president of the German Professional Beekeepers Association.
We rely on bees to pollinate important plant species, so declining bee populations are reducing plant diversity and growth. Pesticides often harm non-target organisms.
GM crops reduce the need for insecticides often used in conventional crops. Compared to the number of insecticide sprays and the amount of active ingredient used on both GM crops and conventional crops, GM crops generally require less insecticide use.
This reduction is primarily due to the fact that GM crops can be modified to carry genes that make them resistant to pests that can harm conventional crops.
Because this defense mechanism is internal, there tends to be less common harmful effects on non-target organisms and the environment when GM crops are used, as opposed to the use of less controllable, external insecticides.
Do not hesitate to contact our expert team to get detailed information about the GMO Free and NON GMO label and certification, or to apply for certification.
