In Scientific American (August, 2009) more evidence was presented that the corporations now providing the majority of food to our grocery store shelves are not trustworthy. Specifically, independent studies on GMO crops do not exist because they are not permitted. Consider this quote from Globalresearch.ca:
GMO Scandal: The Long Term Effects of Genetically Modified Food on Humans
For the past decade, the period when the greatest proliferation of GMO seeds in agriculture has taken place, Monsanto, Pioneer (DuPont) and Syngenta require anyone buying their GMO seeds to sign an agreement that explicitly forbids that the seeds be used for any independent research. Scientists are prohibited from testing a seed to explore under what conditions it flourishes or even fails. They cannot compare any characteristics of the GMO seed with any other GMO or non-GMO seeds from another company. Most alarming, they are prohibited from examining whether the genetically modified crops lead to unintended side-effects either in the environment or in animals or humans.
Back in the early days of our country, there were traveling salesmen that would peddle remedies from their wagons. Some were herbal in nature, sarsparilla for upset tummies or white oak for rheumatism. But more ofteb they were simply grain alcohol in a medicine bottle. A “shill” in the audience, with a detailed script to follow, would regale the prospects with tales of amazing healing. We all roll our eyes and laugh at the country bumpkins in movies who line up for these remedies.
How are we different? Megacorp comes along and promises an end to world hunger, more food, more cheaply for all! Gar-un-teed, ma’am! And we fall, hook, line and sinker. They even offer up proof: Scientists to stand up and make amazing claims of prosperity. But they are just willing to shills for Megacorp, spewing back the script in exchange for their piece of the profits.
Walk away. Take as many of your friends and loved ones with you and just walk away. Until we know the truth, it’s just so much snake oil.
This post is part of Real Food Wednesdays, hosted by Cheeseslave.
The Dark Side of Fat Loss
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September 10, 2009 at 8:06 am
Becky@BoysRuleMyLife
What an eye opener! Not being able to do independent testing should be setting of HUGE bells and whistles!
I have often wondered what the next couple of generations will think of us and all the food *advances* that are being made. Hopefully there will be future generations…
Ok, here’s a really stupid question (as you know, I am full of them! LOL!). How do we know if the seed we buy is GMO or not? Is organic seed a safe route or is there organic GMO seed? I know they are *working on* the labeling of GMO, so I don’t even know if this is a stupid question or a really stupid question. LOL!
Thanks so much! Still enjoying your blog SO MUCH!
September 10, 2009 at 11:00 am
localnourishment
Becky, it’s so good to hear from you again! Yes, the testing issue should really tell us much. I don’t believe the majority of Americans know that little gem.
As for gardening seeds, I try to buy all mine from Seeds of Change. They can be a bit pricey, but have rare and heirloom varieties that need preserving. The best way to preserve rare varieties, is to plant them. Odd, but true! You can reduce the cost if you share with a friend. There’s almost always more seeds in a packet than I use in my small patio container garden, so a friend splits the cost with me. Of course, saving seed from one year to another is a great way to reduce costs, too!
If you want to purchase seed from a more major distributor like Park or Burpee, I’d have the item numbers handy and call. They might or might not know or be willing to tell you. And you might want to use a word like “bioengineered” instead of a hot term like GMO.