March 27, 2024

The term GMO is tossed around a lot and it seems important to understand what that means and what it doesn't. On this topic I will happily refer to Sue Becker of Bread Beckers Inc. and her explanations after 30+ years of studying wheat from every angle; history of, milling, nutrition, cooking/baking with whole grain wheat.

She also has a Sue's Healthy Minute's podcast - #75: The Myths of Hybridized Wheat 35 mins.  on this topic if you prefer to listen rather than read. 

The following article is quick and begins this understanding.

Hybridization vs Genetically Modified

Hybridization is entirely different from genetic modification (GMO).
Hybridization occurs naturally in most all crops that are pollinated and has been occurring since the beginning of time.
In fact even the ever popular ancient grains such as einkorn and emmer are actually hybrid wheats. Done so naturally as their ancestors cross pollinated with other varieties of wild grasses - yes wheat is in the grass family.

Today - the so called modern wheat is nothing more than a deliberate crossbreeding of different varieties of wheat to get desirable traits most often for growing in a specific geographical location - for example a variety that may be more drought resistant.

University and wheat breeding programs have tested wheat seeds from the past 100+ years for their nutritional and protein (specifically those gluten forming proteins) differences and have found no significant changes in modern wheat versus those older varieties.

There should be no concerns with the wheat we have today. There is NO genetically modified wheat grown for commercial use and sale in the USA. All modern wheat is naturally crossbred only with other wheat varieties.

I encourage you to watch or search for information from reputable sources such as universities where the wheat breeding is actually taking place.
Most other sources are just repeating (probably unknowingly) myths and false propaganda from less than reputable sources.
The wonders of the internet - is so much information is out there that both truth and non-truth can spread quickly and easily.

Here is just one of the videos I've watched and learned from.

Sincerely
Sue Becker

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