Be in the know about GMO vegetables

Grow-your-own is a great way to avoid genetically modified foods

There has been a lot of buzz in the media lately about GMO foods (genetically modified organisms). Many people are worried about the safety of these edibles. Folks are poring over labels to make sure GMO substances don’t make it into their homes.

Here’s some good news: It’s darn near impossible for GMOs to end up in your vegetable garden.

I recently talked with Charlie Hart, a garden-seed supplier and the immediate past-president of the Home Garden Seed Association. He offered these words of comfort:

“There are no genetically engineered (GMO) vegetable or flowers that are offered for sale to consumers anywhere in the United States,” Charlie said. “You need a license to grow these crops. They’re regulated by the FDA, USDA and most state agriculture departments.”

Whew. You can feel confident that the veggie seeds and plants you get from the nursery are safe!

What you’ll likely see on labels, though, is the term “hybrid.” This shouldn’t cause alarm. Hybrids result when breeders cross plants to include good traits from both “parent” plants. It’s something that has been going on for centuries. (There’s no lab tinkering at a molecular level.)

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, send them our way. We’re here to help!