The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) launched today a new education initiative on its website (www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org) in an effort to provide facts and resources about GMOs (genetically modified organisms) and dispel common myths about this sometimes controversial technology.

“GMOs may be one of the most misunderstood crops on the market,” said Steve Reinhard, OSC board member and farmer from Crawford County. “I’ve seen how much misinformation is out there, making it difficult for Ohio families to find the truth. We simply want to provide facts and resources about GMOs so Ohioans can make an informed choice about the food they eat.”

Over the next several weeks, OSC will address common questions about GMOs, including:

• Are GMOs safe?
• How are GMOs regulated?
• Do farmers have a choice about GMOs?
• Can GMOs be sustainable?

“This technology has already provided many benefits and it has the potential to provide even more,” said Bill Bayliss, OSC board member and farmer from Logan County. “But we know that first and foremost, people want to know about safety, regulation, farmer choice and sustainability. We are happy to provide information about these topics and more. We encourage everyone to visit OhioSoybeanFarmers.org to learn more.”

About GMOs

GMOs are plants developed through a process (often referred to as genetic engineering or biotechnology) in which a copy of a desired gene or section of genetic material from one plant or organism is placed into another plant to achieve a desired trait.

Biotechnology can be used to develop crops that are more resistant to pests and plant diseases, or more tolerant of extreme conditions such as drought. Some GMOs have enhanced nutritional traits, such as a soybean that produces oil with less trans fat.

Supporting Education and Choice

OSC launched the GMO initiative for educational purposes. OSC continues to support farmers’ ability to choose the crops that are right for their farms and families, whether it is GMO, non-GMO, organic or any other combination of crops and technologies. OSC also supports Ohioans’ choice of food that is right for themselves and their families.

Visit www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org to shed some light on GMOs.

About the Ohio Soybean Council
Headquartered in Worthington, the Ohio Soybean Council is governed by a volunteer farmer board, which directs the Soybean Promotion and Research Program.  The program’s primary goal is to improve soybean profitability by targeting education, research and development projects through the investment of farmer-contributed funds (checkoff). To learn more, visit www.ohiosoybeanfarmers.org.

Media Contact

Jennifer Coleman
Ohio Soybean Council
614.476.3100
jcoleman@soyohio.org