John Grogan and Cheryl Long

Consumers should be concerned about the dangers of genetically engineered crops because the outcome of genetic changes is unpredictable, claim John Grogan and Cheryl Long in the following viewpoint. When crops are engineered to tolerate weed killers and pesticides, the authors claim, other characteristics of the plant may also change, causing allergic reactions in consumers. Moreover, the authors maintain, corporations that have patented these crops and therefore own them are motivated by profit, not public safety. Grogan and Long are on the editorial staff of Organic Gardening.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the authors, what percentage of U.S. cropland is covered by genetically engineered crops?
2. In the authors’ opinion, why could some organic farmers lose their certification?
3. How does traditional farmers’ relationship to nature...