genetically modified

genetically modified adjective

Altered through genetic engineering (abbrev GM)

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Main Entry: ↑genetic

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geˌnetically ˈmodified 7 [genetically modified] adjective (abbr. GM)

(of a plant, etc.) having had its ↑genetic structure changed artificially, so that it will produce more fruit or not be affected by disease

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genetically modified foods

(= made from plants that have been changed in this way)

 

Culture:

Some companies are working on changing the structure of plants that are grown as food using new technology called biotechnology or genetic engineering. An example is changing the genes of a type of grain so that it will not be destroyed when farmers spray the crop with pesticides (= chemicals for killing insects which eat crops) or herbicides (= chemicals for killing plants). There has been a lot of discussion in the media about GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Some scientists, food companies and governments argue that it can help to feed the world’s growing population, especially in poor countries. Others argue that genetically modified food may be harmful and that GM crops may affect other crops grown nearby. Public opposition has led some supermarkets in Britain not to sell food that contains genetically modified ingredients and EU governments have passed laws about labelling so that consumers can know whether the food they buy contains GM ingredients or not.

 

Collocations:

Farming

Growing food and raising animals

plant trees/seeds/crops/vines/barley

grow/produce corn/wheat/rice/fruit

plough/ (NAmE) plow land/a field

sow/harvest seeds/crops/fields

spread manure/fertilizer on sth

cultivate/irrigate/water/contaminate crops/plants/fields/land

damage/destroy/lose your crop

ripen/pick fruit/berries/grapes

press/dry/ferment grapes

grind/thresh grain/corn/wheat

raise/rear/keep chickens/poultry/cattle/pigs

raise/breed/feed/graze livestock/cattle/sheep

kill/slaughter livestock

preserve/smoke/cure/salt meat

Modern farming

run a fish farm/an organic dairy

engage in/be involved in intensive (pig/fish) farming

use/apply (chemical/organic) fertilizer/insecticides/pesticides

begin/do/conduct field trials of GM (= genetically modified) crops

grow/develop GM crops/seeds/plants/foods

fund/invest in genetic engineering/research

improve/increase crop yields

face/suffer from/alleviate food shortages

label food that contains GMOs (= genetically modified organisms)

eliminate/reduce farm subsidies

oppose/be against factory farming/GM food

promote/encourage/support organic/sustainable farming