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Diamond v. Chakrabarty
The Supreme Court rules that genetically modified organisms can be patented. -
Transgenic Tobacco
The first genetically modified crop – a virus resistant tobacco plant – in the US is approved by the Environment Protection Agency. -
Genetically Modified Potatoes
Scientists in the UK experiment on potato plants by inserting genes that give the crops more protein and other nutrients. -
FDA declaration regarding GMOs
The Food and Drug Administration declares that Genetically Modified crops are “not inherently dangerous” and therefore do not require special regulation of any sort. -
FlavrSavr Tomato
The FlavrSavr tomato, the first genetically modified food product commercially available in the US, is approved by the FDA. It had been modified to be fresher for longer. -
Cotton Crops
Australia grows insect-resistant commercially available cotton crops. -
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Increase in GMOs
Over 12 years, the amount of land that is cultivated with genetically modified crops increased by 8000%. In 1997, there were 4.2 million acres of land that were planted with GMOs, and in 2009 there were 331 million acres. -
GM tomatos
A gene from thale cress is inserted into tomatoes. This creates the first crop that can grow in salty water or soil. -
Decaf Coffee
A genetically decaffeinated coffee bean is developed by Japanese scientists. -
Cross-pollination
On this date, it was discovered that US rice being shipped to Europe was contaminated with unapproved engineered genes. These were probably gained through cross-pollination between engineered and normal plants. -
European Food Safety Authority
The European Food Safety Authority announces that GM plants with genes promoting resistance to harmful bacteria are both safe for human and animal consumption and do not pose a risk to the environment. -
Reach of GM plants
By this point in time, a staggering 93% of soybeans, 93% of cotton, and 86% of corn produced in the United States are genetically modified. -
Article about GM plants
A US article reveals that in developed countries, farmers experienced 6% increased yield due to genetically modified crops, and underdeveloped countries experienced a 29% increase. Also, about 72% of farmers worldwide who grew genetically modified crops had positive economic results.
