PART 2 OF A 2 PART ARTICLE:
If you missed last week’s post, click here and read how some argue that GMOs provide a more sustainable industry and benefit our society.
When it comes to genetic engineering, once created there is no going back. We have heard the positive end of GMOs, but other farmers and produce suppliers we work with have come forward with serious concerns about the genetic modification process.
The easiest way to explain genetic engineering is taking genes (the things that make a plant a plant) and forcing them into the DNA of another in an attempt to create a desired trait or characteristic. Labs most easily do this by injecting viruses into a plant or animal cell with new DNA.
Independent studies show whole lists of problems that can result from this process, resulting in money losses and health concerns:
- Genetically modified (GM) plants struggle to maintain nutrient balance.
- GM plants often cannot survive their environments.
- GM animals commonly struggle with immune disorders.
- GM animals suffer serious organ damage.
- GM animals have a higher risk of death before maturity.
- Evidence of gastrointestinal problems have been seen in animals AND humans.
Farmers and produce suppliers do have some advice to avoiding these GMO products:
- Check out websites like www.nongemoshoppingguide.com to avoid GMO products.
- Buy organic.
- Look for non-GMO labels.
- Encourage our government to require GMO labeling.
As we mentioned last week, this goes beyond a bunch of hot button political commotion. GMO propaganda on both sides is getting out of hand, as organizations both for and against Genetically Modified foods forget the farmer at the root of the conversation. Many people caught up in the debate have no concept of the risks that come from forcing genetic modification or understand the challenges of feeding an ever-growing world population.
Now, we hand the mic to YOU. Tell us what you think about these blogs, and send us any resources you found useful in learning about GMOs!
