Genetic engineering

Genetically modified crops are controversial in the United States, and they’re no less contentious in other parts of the world. In places like India, companies like Monsanto say their GMO crops have boosted agriculture and can help solve nutrition problems, but critics say those claims are wrong.

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are controversial around the world, sparking protests and marches. But a lawsuit among agricultural giants over GMOs is something few people would have predicted.

The battle over labeling GMO foods has prompted food companies to pour $27 million into lobbying efforts — just in the last six months. With a lawsuit arguing that Vermont’s GMO labeling law is unconstitutional and fights to stop labeling initiatives in other states, the big food lobbying push is likely to keep growing.

Genetically modified organisms are controversial — but one former critic has changed his mind about them.

Italy is a fiercely anti-GMOs. It’s one of a handful of countries to ban them outright. But European law is trumping them, and it has opened a window for one Italian farmer who is growing GMO corn anyway.