At times, the heated debate over genetically modified organisms or GMOs can seem pretty remote to farmers in Iowa. Farmers have readily adopted the technology and see it as a safe and effective technology that helps increase yields while protecting the environment.

But there are growing signals that actions pushed by anti-GMO groups to ban genetic en­­gineering or impose mandatory labeling could threaten farmers’ access to this proven and promising technology, according to Craig Hill, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation.

"I absolutely think our members should be concerned and need to stand up for this technology," Hill said last week. "Unfortunately, there are people out there who are determined to exploit consumer fear that could adversely harm agriculture and ultimately reduce consumer choice by taking away this valuable crop breeding method."

In an interview with the Spokesman last week, Hill spoke about the importance of GMOs to farmers and why...