The Pros And Cons Of GMO Labeling Laws

My topic of interest is the law that was passed in the state of Vermont that requires labels on foods that were produced with genetic engineering beginning July 1st, 2016 (Act 120). For my research project, I will be looking into the reasoning behind why this law was passed and is one of the first Genetically Modified Organism (or GMO) labeling laws of its kind in the United States. I find this topic important to research, as it is currently a very relevant topic and heated topic of discussion between both opponents and proponents of GMOs. Given the complexity of GMOs and the arguments for and against I believe it is worthy to look into both sides, and why this law in Vermont was in fact passed. To really begin to understand the motivation behind a GMO labeling law, I would first need to completely comprehend what a GMO was, thus I began my research with a few articles to help me better understand the science behind genetic engineering of food. The U.S National Library of Medicine explains on their website that “Genetically engineered (GE) foods have had their DNA changed using genes from other plants or animals. Scientists take the gene for a desired trait in one plant or animal, and they

The first few come from the U.S National Library of Medicine and included possible benefits such as “less use of pesticides, increased supply of food with reduced costs and longer shelf life, and faster growing plants and animals” (2013). Many of the arguments that I found have to do with the sheer amount of food that a genetically engineered food or crop could yield. Nodoushani (2015) writes, “GMOs benefit mankind when used for purposes such as increasing the availability and quality of food and medical care, and contributing to a cleaner environment” (p.