Life Cycle Assessment

GMO Product Life Cycle

1. Research Development of Genetically Modified Species (both seeds and animals):

Essentially, this is the stage where GMOs are created. In a laboratory, specific genes are extracted from DNA and inserted into another species DNA. This is not a fool proof process and can take several trials to establish the desired outcome, however, the process is significantly faster than traditional selective breeding methods.

2. Production, Distribution, and Implementation of GM seeds:

From the development of the genetically modified species, it is necessary to produce a supply of the specific seed and derivations of the products. Currently, the GMO industry is operated by large corporations that can afford to patent their specific strands of species of crops and livestock. From there, the GMO products are sold and distributed to farmers.

3. Growth and Development of GM Crops:

This is where the farming happens. The GM seeds are grown on farms and livestock are also raised on farms. Upkeep of the crops and livestock factor into costs of GMOs. These costs include pesticides, water, energy and other typical farming necessities.

4. Food Processing, Packaging and Distribution:

From farm to grocery store, this is the middle man stage. From the farm, the products are taken for processing. This includes cleaning produce and butchering livestock to then be packaged and distributed to vendors.

5. Preparation and Consumption:

There are many industries that are influenced and utilize GMO products. These include but are not limited to industrial uses, exports, livestock feed, food supply and animal products. Our main focus is on the edible food supply, livestock feed and animal products because these are directly associated with the U.S. food industry.

6. End of Life:

End of Life includes the ultimate disposal of GMO products. This encompasses food waste. Because a large percentage of the food supply in the U.S. is GMO products, we can assume that the majority of food disposed of in landfills are GMO products. These go on to decomposing in the landfills.


For non-GMO, organic products, the life cycle is essentially the same with the exception of the first step. As shown above, for GMOs, research and development are crucial for the success of a GMO product whereas for organic produce, this step is substituted by selective breeding to produce optimal crops.