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How does genetic engineering work? In simple terms, a scientist identifies a desirable trait in one plant or organism and transfers it to the plant or organism they want to improve.

Perhaps it’s better to understand what GMOs aren’t. There are currently only 10 approved GMOs in the U.S. market: field corn, canola, soy, alfalfa, sugar beets, Arctic apples, potato, squash, papaya, and cotton. About 70 percent of the GM crops produced in the U.S. are consumed by livestock animals. Some people worry that animals who have eaten the GM crops will produce food that’s somehow genetically modified. That’s not how it works. GMOs have never been found in the milk or meat of animals fed genetically modified feed.

Many experts say that implementing bioengineering in agriculture has the ability to help reduce the use of pesticides, reduce GHG emissions, and support overall agriculture-related environmental conservation. Plant scientists have discovered amazing ways to produce hardier plants that can withstand draught, inhibit pests, have shorter growth cycles, allow for more food to be grown on less land and erosion — all factors that reduce the overall carbon footprint.