Farmers should understand both the benefits and concerns that are raised by the use of
GM seeds. Benefits of the technology include increased crop yields, diminished use of
pesticides and herbicides, and increased profits. Concerns that farmers should address
before adopting the technology include the private contractual relations between farmers
and seed companies, the environmental impacts of the technology, and the potential
impacts of consumer concerns (both domestic and international) on the market for GM
products.
This paper describes the benefits that GM seeds can provide to farmers, as well as the
concerns that farmers should address before utilizing these seeds. It is intended only as a
general introduction to these benefits and concerns. The information contained in this
paper should not be considered legal advice.