G.M.O.-Genetically Modified Organism This experimental technology is where the DNA of species are merged to create unstable living structures not found in nature.
Like any new discovery, the intentions behind GMOs were positive. To truly understand we must start at the beginning….the discovery of DNA in 1935. Click here for a timeline. While this may sound like a perfect set up for the newest Frankenstein flick, it has become so controversial that many countries have banned the use of GMO technology.
The United States is not one of those countries, due to inconclusive research. Yet….
GM foods contain higher residues of toxic herbicides that are linked to disease. Of the more than two dozen top herbicides on the market, glyphosate is the most popular. In 2007, as much as 185 million pounds of glyphosate was used by U.S. farmers, double the amount used six years ago, according to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data.
On July 28, 2014 Reuters reports, “Genetically modified corn seeds are no longer protecting Brazilian farmers from voracious tropical bugs, increasing costs as producers turn to pesticides, a farm group said on Monday.” Read the full article by clicking here. There is controversy over something called “Refuge Seed.” Monsanto teaches farmers around the globe they must plant rows of refuge seed among the engineered seed. According to the Monsanto website, “The purpose of the refuge area is to prevent pests from developing resistance to the technology.” Ah, the age of technology!
Pank’s seed saving project has been fun!
Corbin In The Dell is very lucky to know so many folks who give a damn about the future of our food. Riverplains Farm shared some of their non-GMO Bloody Butcher and Hickory Cane Corn seed with us for planting this past spring. Pank and I have enjoyed the fruits of our labor and have recently brought in our harvest. Pank is saving seeds as we speak.
Peggy Lynn Marchetti at Madison Creek Farms.
Peggy Lynn Marchetti of Madsion Creek Farms offers this advice “If you’re not in control of your seed source, you’re not in control of your garden. It starts with one thing…your seed source.” Want to get started on saving your own heirloom varieties? Click here for details.
Seen those Facebook pictures of a grocery story void of all food that rely on bees? The deficit is staggering. On June 23, 2014 President Obama signed a memorandum establishing the first-ever federal pollinator strategy and the Agriculture Department announced $8 million in incentives to farmers and ranchers in five states who establish new habitats for honeybees. Great news right? Read this July 10, 2014 Washington Post report, “A Reason Why Millions of Bees Are Dying.”
A day’s harvest from our backyard.
There was a day not too long ago, that human beings took pride in cultivating, planting and harvesting from the earth with the best nature had to offer. Our primal connection to the earth and nature’s bounty fed our spirit, as well as our bodies. GMO or Non-GMO, the earth is quite resilient and tends to be self-healing. How many times must we wound our big, beautiful, blue planet, before she gives us the ultimate finger?
Interested in living a more sustainable life? Here are a few of my favorite resources: