GMOs (Genetically modified organisms) are plants and animals that have been scientifically engineered to possess certain traits and characteristics.

When you go to the grocery store, nearly every item you pick up has GMOs unless it is certified organic or has a label on it claiming it is GMO-free.

According to the Non-GMO Project, over 60 countries have restrictions or complete bans against GMOs. The United States has approved GMOs safe according to tests and studies done by the companies that created and patented them.

The company most commonly associated with GMOs is Monsanto. Lately, Monsanto has been taking a lot of heat for their secrecy and a recent law passed by President Obama regarding Monsanto and their protection.

President Obama signed the “Monsanto Protection Act” on March 21, 2013. This is the section of the bill that caused intense controversy in the public that many people don’t agree with:

“Sec. 735. In the event that a determination of nonregulated status made pursuant to section 411 of the Plant Protection Act is or has been invalidated or vacated, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon request by a farmer, grower, farm operator, or producer, immediately grant temporary permit(s) or temporary deregulation in part, subject to necessary and appropriate conditions consistent with section 411(a) or 412(c) of the Plant Protection Act, which interim conditions shall authorize the movement, introduction, continued cultivation, commercialization and other specifically enumerated activities and requirements, including measures designed to mitigate or minimize potential adverse environmental effects, if any, relevant to the Secretary’s evaluation of the petition for nonregulated status, while ensuring that growers or other users are able to move, plant, cultivate, introduce into commerce and carry out other authorized activities in a timely manner: Provided, That all such conditions shall be applicable only for the interim period necessary for the Secretary to complete any required analyses or consultations related to the petition for nonregulated status: Provided further, That nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting the Secretary’s authority under section 411, 412 and 414 of the Plant Protection Act.^”

In summary, the law prevents federal courts from prohibiting the sale of GMO seeds and plants by corporations like Monsanto.

A fight that has been going on for years now is simply being able to have a label on foods saying whether or not they contain GMOs.

In recent years, GMOs have been the topic of much controversy. Many people question the ethics and motives behind the people who are creating new ways to change plants and animals.

For example, Monsanto sues farmers who save their seeds. People to this day continue to fight against GMOs and big companies like Monsanto.