Love this saying. I’ve edited it to make it politically correct. Seems like Politically correct, is a thing of the past. I was horrified to read an article in the Des Moines Register, reporting the latest research coming out of Iowa State University.

Russia has been funding articles shared online that question the safety of GMO’s, just to keep the pot stirred and make themselves appear as the “ecologically clean alternative”. The research conducted by ISU Assistant Sociology professor, Shawn Dorius, says that Russia is trying to build up their ag sector. Turning the US or world against GMO’s would have a negative effect on our trade and could bolster Russia’s.

About 90 percent of Iowa’s corn is genetically engineered. They are genetically engineered to tolerate herbicides and pests.

Even though the federal government declared GMO crops safe for public consumption two decades ago, there are still some high profile people like Dr Oz and groups that keep raising questions about their safety. They are demanding mandatory labeling laws and outright bans.

Growing GMO crops is banned in 36 countries including Russia. Dorius said, “Stirring the anti-GMO pot would serve a great many of Russia’s political, economic and military objectives”.

Russia funds internet sites RT and Sputnik, with US versions. These two sites posted more negative articles about GMO’s than five other news organizations. These sites used “GMO click bait” embedded in articles that would give you a negative opinion of GMO’s.

The research did not address how effective this smear campaign was. That’s why it’s important to look for credible sources when you are concerned about food issues. For genetic engineering look to the National Academies of Science.

With so many demands for more food in our world, we have to keep all tools available.