Are Only Organic Seeds Not Genetically Modified?

Defining GM and GE

• By definition, genetic modification includes any plant bred or altered for genes that display a particular trait. For example, breeding plants for disease resistance or cold hardiness are common early examples of genetic modification. The controversy over GM seeds, however, concerns plants in which genes are added to or removed from their genomes, a practice called genetic engineering, or GE. Sometimes, these genes come from other organisms.

Defining Organic

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program prohibits the use of genetically engineered seeds in organic production. If a seed packet bears the USDA's organic certification label, it will not contain GE seed.

Other Non-GE Seeds

• Organics are the only GE-free seeds. Heritage and heirloom varieties of seeds come from open-pollinated plants that have been grown for generations. Their special traits come from selective breeding, not genetic engineering. The Council for Responsible Genetics also established the Safe Seed Resource List, which seed producers can sign, attesting that they do not sell genetically engineered seed.