A Timeline of Genetic Modification in MODERN Agriculture

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A Timeline of Genetic Modification in MODERN Agriculture

feed your mind 1994 The first GMO produce created A Timeline of through genetic engineering— a GMO tomato—becomes available for sale after studies Genetic Modification evaluated by federal agencies proved it to be as safe as in MODERN Agriculture traditionally bred tomatoes. For thousands of years, people have worked to improve crops, livestock, and the foods we eat. In the 20th century, scientists found a way to modify food faster 1990S and more precisely by changing an organism's DNA. The first wave of GMO This process, called genetic engineering, produces produce created through genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This timeline genetic engineering becomes highlights key dates in the development of GMO foods. available to consumers: summer squash, soybeans, cotton, corn, papayas, tomatoes, potatoes, and canola. Not all are still 1940 available for sale. Plant breeders learn to use radiation or chemicals 2003 to randomly change an organism's DNA. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations develop international guidelines and standards to determine the 1953 safety of GMO foods. Building on the discoveries of chemist Rosalind Franklin, scientists James Watson and Francis Crick identify 2005 the structure of DNA. GMO alfalfa and sugar beets are available for sale in the U.S. 1973 Biochemists Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen develop genetic engineering by inserting DNA from one bacteria into another. 2015 FDA approves an application for the first genetic modification in an animal for use as food, a genetically engineered salmon. 1982 2016 ED F FDA approves the first RIV RO GINEE E M EN R consumer GMO product D E IO D B developed through genetic Congress passes a law B G I B engineering: human insulin requiring labeling for some O N I D foods produced through I O to treat diabetes. E E genetic engineering and uses N R E R E N E the term “bioengineered,” G I N E GIN E which will start to appear on some foods. FDA EPA 1986 The federal government establishes the Coordinated 2017 USDA Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology. This policy describes how FDA, USDA, GMO apples are available and EPA work together to for sale in the U.S. regulate the safety of GMOs. 1992 2019 high oleic FDA policy states that soybean foods from GMO plants FDA completes consultation must meet the same on first food from a genome OIL requirements, including the edited plant. same safety standards, as foods derived from traditionally bred plants. March 2020 Get more information about GMOs at www.fda.gov/feedyourmind. .

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