GMO stands for Genetically Modified Organism.

Genetic Modification is a laboratory process of taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to obtain a desired trait or characteristic. In the world of agriculture and food, “GMO” is used to refer to a plant-based organism, like a seed, that:

• Has its genes (DNA) altered to act in a way that does not happen naturally and/or
• Contains genes from another plant-based organism

The Canadian Organic Standards do not allow the use of GMOs. Any crops – whether for human consumption or to be used in animal feed - may not be produced using GMOs.