There are two main varieties of genetically engineered cotton. The first variety is designed to resist Monsanto’s Roundup, a glyphosate-based herbicide, while the second is designed to stimulate the plant’s production of toxins, which kill the bollworm (cotton’s primary pest). It is important to understand the implications of genetically modified (GM) cotton compared to non-GM cotton.
“Conventional cotton” refers to cotton that is grown with the help of synthetic agrochemicals, commonly from genetically modified seeds. Genetically engineered cotton now accounts for 75 percent of all conventional cotton. This method employs suboptimal farming and manufacturing practices that are significantly harder on the environment.
Organic cotton, however, is grown with reduced amounts of toxins, pesticides, and fertilizers. Methods and practices used for growing organic cotton minimize environmental impact. Federal regulations prohibit the use of genetically engineered seeds in organic cotton production, and require that these seeds are natural and untreated. Currently, organic cotton comprises less than one percent of total global cotton production.
Raw Cotton is free from GMOs when grown organically. In order to be certified organic, farms must follow organic farming practices and factories must process organic cotton fibers separately from conventional cotton.
We’ll start by referencing the statement that ultimately came from our 2002 position paper on genetically modified cotton:
