Reply #162: Breeding and genetic modification aren't the same thing.

[Pacifist Patriot]

From one of my other posts:

the genetic tinkering agriculturalists have engaged in over the centuries involved intra-species breeding to bring out desired traits in their offspring. Offspring that are in turn capable of reproduction. Breeding coaxes evolution, but it doesn't control it at the genetic level. Once the farmer has selected the parents, plant or animal, nature takes over and the resulting offspring have higher probabilities for selected traits, but no guarantees.

GMO often involves inter-species genetic manipulation. For example, spider genes might be introduced to a tomato plant with the intention of making the tomato more pest resistant. Generally, in such cases, the daughter plants are infertile. The seeds of the fruit cannot be used to grow more food the next season.

Breeding involves gradual intra-species genetic modification of the organism through a natural process of probabilities with each generation capable of reproduction. Genetic modification involves immediate inter-species genetic modification of the organism through a process of specificity with the subsequent generation not necessarily capable of reproduction. In fact, infertility is preferrable in the case of GM seed. At least in the eyes of the companies selling the seed over and over again each year.

Note, that I make no comment regarding the nutrition of the end product. I am simply pointing out that breeding and GM are not truly analogous. Its misleading to assume they are.