If you’re familiar with The Farmer’s Lamp, you’re likely aware of our stance on GMOs. But let’s delve into the question: What are GMOs, and why do we hold this perspective? When I address the GMO issue, I often emphasize that my aim isn’t to persuade everyone to adopt my viewpoint. Instead, it’s about providing you with information and resources to empower your decision-making. In a landscape where truth can be obscured by corporate interests, my goal is to help you see beyond the smoke and mirrors, ensuring your choices aren’t solely influenced by corporate GMO propaganda.
Continuing in the same spirit, let’s discuss precisely what a GMO is and what it is not. While commonly referred to as genetically modified organisms, I find the term ‘genetically engineered organisms’ to be more accurate. It’s crucial to understand that GMOs are distinct from hybrids.
What Are GMOs and Hybrids?
A hybrid is the result of carefully crossing two parent plants of the same kind to achieve a specific outcome. Gardeners achieve this through controlled cross-pollination, where they meticulously hand-pollinate two pure parent lines, each possessing desired traits. This process is conducted under controlled conditions, such as row covers.
In nature, a similar process occurs when open-pollinated plants of the same kind are planted near one another, leading to accidental cross-pollination and the creation of hybrids. I once stumbled upon this phenomenon with watermelons, resulting in a delicious but unreproducible outcome.
On the other hand, GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are a product of scientific intervention in a laboratory setting, involving technical processes like gene splicing. In the lab, genetic material from one species is introduced into the DNA of an entirely unrelated species, a combination that would never occur naturally.
For example, scientists have merged the genetic material of a tomato, a fish, and glyphosate (Roundup) to create a tomato that boasts resistance to freezing and pests.
It’s important to emphasize that these two processes, hybridization and GMO creation, are fundamentally different and cannot be directly compared. Sometimes, this comparison arises from either a belief in GMO propaganda or as a diversionary tactic to shift public attention away from essential questions.
When someone claims that the general public is incapable of comprehending plant breeding and its intricacies, it can be understandably offensive. Any seasoned gardener can readily distinguish between a hybrid and an heirloom and can confirm that a fish and a tomato cannot cross-pollinate in nature.
You can read more about heirlooms and hybrids in our other posts.
Can GMOs Save the World?
No. Not according to the Environmental Working Group and the Organic Consumers Association. Both state “Biotech companies and proponents of conventional, industrial agriculture have touted genetically engineered crops as the key to feeding a more populous, wealthier world, but recent studies show that this promise has fallen flat.”* These reports also state crops raised traditionally with a focus on soil improvement and decreasing waste have shown increased yields in impoverished countries where GMOs could not. They call for a focus on these traditional farming methods instead of biotech experiments.
The EWG states in their report: “Seed companies’ investment in improving the yields of GMOs in already high-yielding areas does little to improve food security; it mainly helps line the pockets of seed and chemical companies and producers of corn ethanol. There is a way out of this mess that will produce enough food for the world’s burgeoning population with minimal impact on our environment. In combination, smarter use of fertilizers, a dramatic shift in biofuels policy, a significant reduction in food waste, and a better diet could largely address the need for more calories in the future. The world’s resources would be better spent focusing on strategies to actually increase food supplies and access to basic resources for the poor small farmers who need it most.”*
GMOs, Herbicides, and Pesticides: Are They A Danger?
Are GMOs, herbicides, and pesticides dangerous? According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the answer is yes. The WHO has classified glyphosate, the herbicide often used with GMOs, as ‘a probable cause of cancer in humans.’*
It’s common sense that we wouldn’t willingly drink water contaminated with these poisons. While the full extent of herbicides and pesticides’ effects on humans may not be entirely clear, their potential dangers are undeniable.
One concerning consequence of GMOs is their contribution to the increased use of pesticides and herbicides, resulting in the emergence of ‘superweeds’ and ‘superbugs.’ These adaptive organisms require higher and higher doses of chemicals, perpetuating a cycle of resistance and increased chemical usage.
It’s essential to recognize that the hazardous properties associated with GMOs can indeed affect the resulting crops. Just as spraying crops with herbicides can lead to contamination, testing has revealed the presence of glyphosate in the food supply, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and scrutiny.
The Myth of No Studies
You’ve likely encountered the argument repeatedly: ‘There just haven’t been enough studies on GMOs.’ Scientists often assert that GMOs pose no risk to humans. But is this assertion accurate?
In truth, multiple studies have been conducted in various countries, yet a noteworthy observation is that a substantial portion of U.S.-based studies seem to involve scientists affiliated with biotech firms. Conversely, studies from other countries have faced indifference, bans, or allegations of fraud.
There have been multiple studies conducted in several countries. The few studies done here in the U.S.A. seem to have been conducted by scientists who work for biotech firms. The studies from other countries have been ignored, banned, or called out as a fraud.
Given the results of these studies and the controversial practices of U.S.-based biotech companies, it’s worth noting that several countries have chosen to ban GMOs in recent times. They join over 63 other nations with similar bans and labeling laws in place. Russia, France, Scotland, Latvia, Germany, and Greece are among the latest additions to this list.*
The question arises: why are so many countries opting for GMO bans while we struggle to implement labeling laws in the United States? Astonishingly, over $65 million has been spent by the federal government and biotech industries to thwart states’ efforts to pass labeling laws and bans. These measures were voted on and approved by the citizens of those states.*
The issue of GMOs has even sparked the slander of public personalities for coming out with their stand against GMOs. Dr. Oz was subjected to multiple slanderous attacks. Jane Goodall, world-renowned British primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist, took a stand against GMOs and she was subjected to public attacks as well. Many other notable figures have suffered similar treatment for their questions and opinions.*
The fundamental question remains: do the public and consumers not have the right to know what is in their food? Even those who support GMOs express concerns about the ongoing battle to protect the public’s right to information.
Do Farmers Make More Profit From GMO Crops?
An increasing number of farmers are making a significant shift away from GMO seeds. Many of these farmers have faced challenges due to the plummeting prices of genetically modified crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Some attribute their decision to the rising costs of yearly seed purchases and increased herbicide and pesticide use, which has led them to embrace non-GMO seeds. By opting for non-GMO seeds, they can save their seeds and reduce their reliance on pesticides and herbicides. This shift is further driven by the growing demand for non-GMO foods among the American public, indicating that the trend of farmers abandoning GMO crops is likely to continue.
So exactly what crops are GMOs? **indicates a crop not grown in the USA at the time this article was written.
- Soybeans
- Corn
- Wheat
- Rapeseed(Canola)
- Potato
- Sugar Beets
- Rice
- Cotton
- Papaya
- Squash – Crook and Straight Neck
- Zucchini
- Salmon
- Alfalfa
- cichorium intybus(chicory)**
- flax**
- tobacco**
- Beets
- Plum
- tomato
- Banana
- Apples
Keep in mind, that any food made using these crops is a GMO product. We don’t eat processed foods. One reason is because of all the “hidden” ingredients and preservatives. You can read more about removing GMOs from your diet in our Healthy Living articles.
GMO Wheat Controversy
I’ve encountered numerous well-meaning individuals who vehemently assert that there is no GMO wheat crop grown or intended for human consumption in the United States. On this matter, I’d like to share three crucial points:
- Millions of pounds of U.S. wheat have been rejected by other countries because they were supposed to be non-GMO, yet they were found to be contaminated with GMO wheat. It’s hard to believe that this contamination only affects wheat destined for export markets and not our domestic supply.
- Crop contamination through cross-pollination of non-GMO crops by GMO crops is a pressing issue faced by many organic farmers across the United States. Those striving to sell their crops as non-GMO certified or certified organic suffer financial losses due to this contamination.
- They not only lose entire crops and the potential income they would have generated but also incur additional expenses as they have to repurchase seeds instead of saving them from their crops.
- My disagreement with the notion that GMO wheat doesn’t enter our food supply is rooted in common sense. Our dietary choices extend beyond plant-based foods to include animals that consume GMO crops.
- If we eat animals raised on GMO feed, we are indirectly consuming GMOs. Given the lack of comprehensive research on the cellular-level effects of GMOs on both animals and humans, it’s challenging to determine the full impact.
While I don’t subscribe to conspiracy theories, I cannot ignore the realities of food supply contamination and the government’s seeming disregard for our well-being.
As a result of the gut health issues my family experienced with modern wheat, even the organically grown variety, we’ve transitioned to Einkorn Wheat Flour, a choice driven by our quest for healthier alternatives. You can delve deeper into what Einkorn wheat is and explore its benefits in our dedicated article.
How to Avoid GMO Seeds in Your Home Garden
I once heard a farmer friend assure someone that they needn’t worry about acquiring GMO seeds from the local farm supply. He confidently stated that GMO seeds were exclusively sold to large-scale agricultural farmers, and are not available in the seed packets or bags you find at local outlets. Unfortunately, he was mistaken.
As indicated in the list of GMO foods mentioned earlier, many of these genetically modified crops include common home garden plants. Even if, by some stroke of luck, the seeds themselves weren’t originally genetically engineered, the risk of cross-contamination cannot be easily quantified. Cross-contamination frequently occurs in proximity to GMO crops.
For home gardeners concerned about avoiding GMO seeds, the best approach is to purchase seeds from a reputable company known for selling non-GMO seeds and regularly testing their crops for cross-contamination.
In our article ‘GMO Information You Should Know,’ we provide a list of trusted companies we turn to when purchasing seeds.
Crucial Concerns to Confront
1. Is it right for biotech corporations to own all the seeds?
As of the latest update, Monsanto has filed lawsuits against more than 900 farmers for various reasons. One common cause is the act of saving seeds from their GMO crops. However, a more troubling issue arises when a non-GMO crop becomes unintentionally cross-contaminated by nearby GMO crops.
You might wonder, why does this matter? It’s essential to note that the farmer didn’t contaminate their field intentionally. Instead, they saved their seeds from one year to the next.
Monsanto alleges that by saving these seeds, the farmer is infringing on their intellectual property rights. Consequently, the affected farmer not only loses the value of their contaminated crop, which can no longer be sold as non-GMO, but they also face legal expenses. In most cases, their seeds are confiscated, compelling them to purchase new ones for the following year. Additionally, many of these farmers face fines as well.
One significant aspect to understand is that GMO seeds are intentionally designed to be non-reproducible. It is illegal for any farmer to save seeds from a GMO crop, as these seeds are owned by the biotech company that developed them. This practice of producing sterile seeds ensures that farmers must buy new seeds annually, eliminating the traditional practice of saving seeds for the next planting season.
Even as a small-scale home gardener, if your crops inadvertently become contaminated by neighboring GMO crops, you are legally prohibited from saving any seeds. While such contamination may often go unnoticed, laws are in place that allow authorities to seize your crops and seeds, if deemed necessary.
2. Why not let the public know what’s in their food supply?
Biotech companies have invested billions of dollars in opposing state labeling laws, engaging in propaganda campaigns, and influencing news coverage. Despite these substantial efforts, it’s worth considering whether you’ve come across significant coverage on this topic in mainstream news channels.
For instance, in October, RT reported that two-thirds of European Union (EU) member states have rejected GMO crops and have submitted requests to opt out of their cultivation. In contrast, in the United States, states often face uphill battles when attempting to implement labeling laws that their citizens have voted in favor of. They are confronted with threats of losing federal funding and other sanctions, making it a complex and contentious issue.*
3. Is the destruction of whole ecosystems survivable?
NO! GMO crops are genetically engineered with pesticides designed to rupture the intestines of pests. But can these engineered pesticides differentiate between beneficial insects like bees and harmful pests like weevils?
The Monarch butterfly and the honey bee play crucial roles in pollinating approximately 75% of our crops. Unfortunately, both of these essential pollinators are rapidly declining in numbers. When one ecosystem is disrupted, it sets off a chain reaction that affects others, ultimately impacting the delicate balance of interconnected ecosystems. The destruction of this delicate symbiotic relationship carries significant costs for all of us.
4. Is our health too high a price for GMOs?
Can we afford to overlook the profound connection between our food supply and our well-being? After all, we are fundamentally shaped by what we consume. But it goes even deeper – we are ultimately shaped by the diets of the plants and animals we consume. Our cells, our organs, and even our lifeblood depend on the quality of our dietary choices.
Our family has witnessed significant, tangible improvements in our health after eliminating GMOs from our diets. Since making this dietary change, more than ten different disorders and diseases have disappeared from our lives.
We not only look better but also feel better than we have in the past two decades. This transformation is solely attributed to the removal of GMOs from our diet, as it’s the only lifestyle change we made.
The introduction of GMO crops into the mainstream American diet in 1994 coincided with a disturbing increase in DNA damage rates. This alarming trend has contributed to a surge in diseases and birth defects. Shockingly, it’s even been suggested that the children of this generation may be the first to have a lower life expectancy than their parents.
Wrap UP
In a world filled with unanswered questions, the debate over “what are GMOs” looms large. Regardless of where one stands on the issue, it becomes increasingly difficult to ignore the mounting evidence from European countries and their scientific studies.
In our home and on our farm, we’ve made a resolute choice to stand against GMOs. Our aim isn’t to impose our beliefs on others but to offer information, empowering each individual to make their own well-informed decisions.
We firmly uphold the belief that No one should be allowed to tell another person what to think, what’s best for them, what they must purchase, or which path they should choose. Every individual deserves the freedom to make decisions based on facts and truth, untainted by propaganda.
I hope you find the answers you’re looking for and feel confident in the decision you make.
You May Also Enjoy:
GMO Seeds Vs Hybrid Seeds, Heirloom & Organic Seeds: How They’re Different
The Difference Between GMO Seeds And Heirloom Garden Seeds
Six Bottom Line Issues We Must Face About GMOs
List of Resources For Your Research
http://www.ewg.org/agmag/2015/03/claims-gmo-yield-increases-don-t-hold
http://sustainablepulse.com/2015/03/26/who-glyphosate-report-ends-thirty-year-cancer-cover-up/
http://ecowatch.com/2015/09/11/monsanto-guilty-chemical-poisoning/
http://sustainablepulse.com/2015/09/17/france-joins-green-wave-of-gm-crop-bans-in-europe/
http://news.yahoo.com/latvia-greece-win-opt-monsanto-gm-crop-163105486–finance.html
http://sustainablepulse.com/2015/08/09/scotland-announces-total-ban-on-gm-crops/
http://www.gmwatch.org/news/latest-news/16369-germany-moves-to-ban-gmo-crops
http://www.naturalnews.com/051242_GM_crops_Russia_non-GMO.html
http://sustainablepulse.com/2015/09/03/global-scientists-support-scottish-gm-crop-ban/
http://www.wsj.com/articles/fields-of-gold-gmo-free-crops-prove-lucrative-for-farmers-1422909700
http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/money/agriculture/2015/04/18/non-gmo-farming/25951693/
http://time.com/3840073/gmo-food-charts/
https://www.rt.com/news/317638-eu-gmo-cultivation-opt-out/
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