Genetic modification (GM) is the manipulation of genes in one organism to encourage the development of specific characteristics in that organism.

It may involve the addition of a gene from another organism, the replacement of a gene with one from another organism or even the relatively simple removal of a gene entirely.

It is seen by many as a brilliant way of removing the need to use potentially dangerous chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides, from agriculture because the crop can be genetically modified to be resistant to moulds and other pests.

It is also a way of making crops and animals have certain characteristics that are of benefit to humans. As an example a type of rice was gentically modified to allow it to contain significant quantities of Vitamin A. This was done to improve the health of humans in specific areas of the world.

Traditional breeeding yields the results achieved through multi generational husbandry. It takes longer and is more hit and miss, as nature plays a large part in the outcome. With GM, nnature has little impact and it is much quicker. This means that GM crops  and animals can return profit much quicker.

The major concern with GM is the long term implications and what they mean. As it is a relatively new science and field, no-one can be certain that there will be no negative effects from doing these modifications. There is also the potential issue of allergens being transferred into a food that did not have an allergen issue initially, through gene addition.

Many of  GM seeds that are now available have been modified so that the plants they produce will not  flower and produce seeds. This means that farmers are then committed to having to buy seed every year from the suppliers. 

Another related issue is that with bee and other insect moving between plants, there is a serious risk of non GM plants being cross pollinated with GM material and therefore affecting that crop.This is a significant economic issue.

In Australia, only a few specific foods are permitted to be GM and must be clearly labelled as per the requirements of the Food Standards Code. The Gene Regulator is the body that determines all GM issues.

A group of Aussies Mums have staged a sit in at a Supermarket in Sydney because it has been identified that at least one brand of Infant Formula contains GM soy and other ingredients, and is not labelled as such.

This is a "red button" issue and there will be increasing sit ins and other actions until this science has been tested and clearly explained to the public. For more information about GM, go to www.foodstandards.gov.au