I'm a bit conflicted in terms of where I stand on GMO food itself, but I think it's an issue that is increasing in both import and ignorance thereof...quite a dangerous combination.

In an ideal world (like the one that exists in my brain), technology and genetic modification would be used towards the goal of alleviating famine and world hunger. Although daunting, this is not an impossible goal if tackled by major multi-national corporations.

Unfortunately, the objectives of the major players in this industry are not presently aligned with this humanitarian mission. Further, they have a vested interest in blocking any and all legislation that would enable consumers to make a choice here in the US and have succeeded in doing so up until this point. In avoiding any enforced labeling of GMO products, they neatly prevent the existence of a record that would enable further scrutiny in the future and protect themselves from liability.

Here are a few concerning ways that genetic modification is being used today:

To encourage the increased usage of pesticides and other chemicals
An example of this is Roundup Ready seed sold by Monsanto. Roundup Ready means that this herbicide can be used in quantities far greater than ever before because the crop itself is immune. Many fruits and vegetables have highly permeable skin which absorbs pesticides and other chemicals. An increase in the use of these toxic chemicals means that more of them make it into our systems when we ingest them.

To increase profits of seed producers at the expense of farmers
Historically speaking, farmers have sustained their businesses through reuse of seed from year to year and selling seed amongst each other. Seed producers are starting to block this in a few different ways. The most insidious method is through litigation of farmers and enforced destruction of seed stockpiles that they claim contain "unlicensed patented seed." A judge has ruled that it doesn't matter if this occurred as a result of trade among other farmers, natural cross-pollination or even the wind blowing unsecured seed from a truck as it drives by a farm, corporations have the right to seek damages from farmers if they determine that any percentage of the plants growing on their acreage happen to include the patented genes.

None of this is all that shocking when you consider the legal obligation of corporations to their shareholders...it's not about people, it's about this quarter's profits and today's bottom line, biodiversity and human health be damned. I have the utmost faith in innovation and the advancement of science and technology, but it's discouraging to see it used toward these ends and seemingly devoid of adequate research and oversight.

Fortunately for countries that are taking a more conservative approach, America will provide a more than adequate sample for the both effects of the food itself and the broader agricultural economy.