Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi,
I have started doing a science project that requires the use of GM soybean seeds. I found one place that sold them called Genetically Modified Plant Lab Activity from Ward's Science, but it is a little out of my price range. I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can purchase GM soybeans and non GM soybeans
Thanks!

Hi Lilypad3789,

Your project sounds interesting. What is the hypothesis you will be testing using these two types of soybeans?

There are hundreds of commercial hybrid varieties of soybean available to farmers, both GMO and non-GMO. The companies that make most of the GMO soybean are Monsanto, Pioneer Hi-Bred, and BASF. Unfortunately these companies do not typically sell their seed in small quantities at a home and garden store, they sell directly to the farmers or seed dealers. My suggestion is that you contact Monsanto (http://www.monsanto.com/whoweare/pages/contact-us.aspx), select the option "Request for information to support a student paper or project" and explain your project from your position as a student wanting to learn more about the soybean seeds. You can even ask how you could acquire some non-GMO and GMO seed from them. I can't say for sure if it will work but it is worth a try.

If you do not have any luck going that route then I would suggest contacting local farmers (if you are in the midwest) that grow soybean and see if they can help you locate a small amount of GMO and/or non GMO seed.

I wish you luck and please let me know if you need further support.

Stephanie