When talking about technology and farming, you can not look at the source. The seeds and animals that grow on farms, and what that means. Many people get confused by these terms, and often want to use some of them interchangeably.
They may not even realize there are different types of a given plant or animal. They think there’s only one form of cucumber (approx. 100), or apple, or even chicken (about 1,600 worldwide). They don’t realize that these different breeds will effect flavor, growth, and even production numbers.
Heritage
- Definition: Refers to traditional, older varieties of crops or breeds of animals that have been passed down through generations. They are not altered by modern genetic techniques. For plants, they generally need to be around for 100 years without change.
- Crops: Typically open-pollinated, meaning they reproduce naturally and their seeds can be saved for planting next season. Examples include heirloom tomatoes and ancient grains like emmer.
- Animals: Includes breeds like the Gloucestershire Old Spot pig or Delaware chicken, often valued for hardiness and unique characteristics suited to specific regions.
- Traits: Heritage varieties prioritize flavor, adaptability, and biodiversity but may have lower yields compared to hybrids.
Hybrid
- Definition: The result of crossbreeding two different varieties or breeds to combine desirable traits.
- Crops: Corn and wheat hybrids are examples. They might combine disease resistance with higher yield.
- Animals: Hybrid livestock like certain poultry bred for faster growth or higher egg production.
- Traits: Hybrids offer better productivity and uniformity but seeds or offspring typically don’t reproduce true to type, requiring new purchases each cycle.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
- Definition: Organisms whose genetic material is altered using modern biotechnology to include specific traits from other species.
- Crops: GMO crops like Bt corn or Roundup Ready soybeans are engineered for pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. Over 90% of the corn planted in the US is genetically modified.
- Animals: GMO animals, though less common, include fast-growing AquaBounty salmon.
- Traits: GMOs often aim to solve specific agricultural challenges, like pests or climate adaptability, but they raise ethical and ecological debates.
Heritage, Hybrid, and GMO… What you need to know was originally found on Access 2 Learn
