Genetically Modified Organisms (or GMO's), also called Genetically Engineered crops, have become a complex scientific and social issue. The Wild Bird Feeding Industry (WBFI) does not have a position on GMO's. We present the information links on this page to assist you in learning more about the issue.

What Seeds Used in Wild Bird Feeding Might Be Genetically Engineered?

According to information from Cornell University at the time of this writing in February 2004, the possibility of genetic engineering in the seeds most attractive to wild birds in North America is:

• Black Oil Sunflower: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Nyjer: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Peanut Kernels: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Millets: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Striped Sunflower: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Fine Cracked Corn: Seed from GMO varieties readily available.
• Milo: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Safflower: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Flax: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available
• Canary Seed: No genetic engineering program, no modified seed available

What North American Crops Are Currently Involved in Genetic Engineering Programs?
Corn, Soybeans, Canola, and Cotton

What Crops Have Been Removed from Genetic Engineering Programs?
Tomatoes.

What Foods Have Been Genetically Engineered to be Resistant to Plant Viruses?
Squash, Papaya, and Potato

Resources for Additional Information

Ohio State University: http://ohioline.osu.edu/gmo/faq.html

You may find the information on this website useful to learn some of the basic information about GMO's and the impact GMO's have on food for humans, such as allergic reactions.

Cornell University: The GEO-PIE Project was developed to create objective educational materials exploring the complex scientific and social issues associated with genetic engineering, to help readers consider those issues for themselves.

GEO-PIE Homepage

http://www.geo-pie.cornell.edu/traits/traits.html What traits have been genetically engineered into plants? This link gives you up to date information.

http://www.geo-pie.cornell.edu/crops/eating.html If you wonder about the specific crops in which genetic engineering may have occurred, then this link will help you learn more.

http://www.geo-pie.cornell.edu/issues/issues.html For information on the health related issues, the environmental and ecological issues, and the social issues.

http://www.geo-pie.cornell.edu/educators/educators.html Fact Sheets on issues relating to genetic engineering of crops.

The information contained in this website is unofficial and not intended to represent the opinion or position of the WBFI, its staff, its Board of Directors, or its members. WBFI does not guarantee the accuracy of this report.