Tag Archives: genetic engineering

Culture

Why We March Globally Against Monsanto

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It takes strength to usher in change and there's strength in numbers.
It takes strength to usher in change and there’s strength in numbers.

For those who are not aware of Monsanto or its global influence, I would like to provide you with some background information before explaining just why it is important to stand against the corporation and its actions.

 Monsanto is an international agricultural corporation which is based out of the United States. It originated in 1901 and has functioned mainly as a pesticide corporation but as of recently it has been implementing genetically engineered seeds. These seeds, which are being sold and grow in many parts of the world, do not have the ability to reproduce, thereby forcing farmers to purchase a new set of seeds from the company each season. In many situations, the farmers have no choice but to continue paying into the corporation because no other seeds are available in their area. Monsanto is also the leader producer (and creator) of the herbicide “Glyphosate” (a herbicide which is used specifically to kill weeds around the GM crops but leave the crops un-harmed. This is made possible through the genetic tampering of the seeds which makes them resistant to the herbicide).

Monsanto has been adamantly rejecting many accusations that have been coming their way in more recent years. In fact, they go out of their way to address the international conversation that has been taking place about their “terminator” seeds and their inability to reproduce (provide seeds that can then be planted the following season). They claim in a statement on their website that “Monsanto has never commercialized a biotech trait that resulted in sterile – or “terminator” – seeds” (Monsanto Website). The website is littered with fabricated stories, pictures of smiling farmers and claims that Monsanto has their best interests at heart. The truth is many farmers are struggling to make the expensive purchases of Monsanto seeds and herbicide. Debt is rising in rural areas around the world (India taking one of the hardest hits, with thousands of farmer suicides being said to be associated with debt owed to Monsanto and their inability to support themselves) and a countless number of individuals are suffering because of the negative side effects. Monsanto has a huge stake in the worlds production of seeds and is already working on spreading their patents to broccoli and eggplant despite international disagreement.

This is why we march. The global March Against Monsanto is a worldwide call of action aimed at informing the public of the long term health, environmental, and financial effects of genetically modified foods. Last years globalized day of action took place with over 2 million people took to the streets to express their opinions and attempt to reclaim the food systems. We march for seed freedom (because seeds are a source of life, and corporations should not have the ability to patent life), for the labeling of GMO foods, to promote organic and sustainable alternatives, to demand the accountability of those responsible for corruption, and to further the scientific research around GMOs. *name withheld on request 

 

 

 

 

Culture

81 GMO’s Made By Gene Splicing Not Labeled In Canada

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There are no legally mandated requirements for GMO labelling in Canada. That means you might be eating genetically modified organisms and not know about it. These labels are being used by some Canadian producers to differentiate their products from GMO's.
There are no legally mandated requirements for GMO labelling in Canada. That means you might be eating genetically modified organisms and not know about it. These labels are being used by some Canadian producers to differentiate their products from GMO’s.

It is worth noting that South of the border  an important proposition was recently defeated. Proposition 37 as it was named, was a vote given to residents of California, for mandatory labelling of genetically modified food products. Given the distance between here and California you may wonder, what is the relevance?

Since 1996, 81 genetically modified organisms have been approved for market in Canada, and there is currently no requirement on labelling.
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

In order to understand both sides of the GMO argument it is important to consider that these organisms were first engineered to increase plant yields and reduce the use of insecticides. With the growing world population it is also key to consider the benefits of higher crop yields and plants that contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals for use in third world countries. Genetically modified foods can be found worldwide, there are varying levels of acceptance ranging from approval, mandatory labelling, to complete ban on foods.

Some of the inherent dangers of GMO foods include exploring the long term effects these foods are having on the individuals consuming them. Over the past few years GMOs have come under fire due to negative research. These studies have linked consumption of GMOs to increase in food allergies, sterility, organ and digestive system damage.

With wheat and apples up next for introduction as Canada’s next GMO foods, long term studies will help to contribute to learning more about GMO affects on health. Until then perhaps knowledge can be considered as power, mandatory labelling would allow consumers to make an informed choice. As consumers we can support campaigns that focus on mandatory labelling of GMO foods such as the NonGMO Project. Additional ways to avoid GMO foods include:
1. Choosing organic products, or ones that have been given the NonGMO symbol
2. Plant a garden at home using heritage seeds, not subjected to genetic modification
3. Drink lots of filtered water to help your body to continually detoxify
4. Eat locally grown foods that are GMO free
5. Choose pastured meats that are not fed GMO grains
AshleyBeetonTwitterImageFor the Silo, Ashley Beeton.

References:
1. Yum, H.Y., Lee, S.Y., Lee, K.E., Sohn, M.H., Kim, K.E. 2005. Genetically modified and wild soybeans: an immunologic comparison. Allergy and Asthma Proc 26, 210–6.
2. Verma, C., Nanda, S., Singh, R.K. 2011. A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4, 3-11
3. Health Canada. Frequently Asked Questions: Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/index-eng.php. Accessed 3 December 2012.

Supplemental- Groups including organic fruit growers oppose Okanagan GMO apple.

Horticulturist Art Drysdale on Okanagan GMO fruits