In a post last week I mentioned the issue of genetically engineered food. It is a topic that is generating much controversy these days--and for good reason. Proponents of genetically engineered (GE) foods, aka genetically modified organisms (GMO) say that by changing the genetic structure of many foods we have the ability to make vegetables resistent to herbicides--such as Round Up. GE foods can also allow crops such as potatoes to grow dependably even in weakened soil structures--thus guaranteeing the world of millions of fast food french fries. And many see GE foods as having the potential to solve the problems of hunger and starvation across the globe because food can be engineered to be produced in places that it would not have grown under natural circumstances.
On the other hand, the jury is still out on whether eating GE foods is healthy and safe for the human body. Very little testing has been done. For those who are trying to eat organically and sustainably, GE foods present a large problem. In addition to the health issues, GE food production doesn't rely as heavily on healthy soil so it becomes that much easier to continue to ravage the environment. GE seeds and pollen are easily spread to other crops thus contaminating fields where GE foods were not desired. Monsanto, a large producer of GE foods has even sued farmers who were unintentionally growing their patented GE vegetables when the seeds blew onto their fields. For this reason places like Mendocino County in California have legislated themselves as GE-free. Additionally, many are concerned that as we become more dependent on the reliability of GE foods we will continue to see a decrease in the variety of foods that are grown.
Currently there is a campaign to demand that foods that are genetically engineered be labeled as such. Given the prevalence of GE foods labeling would be a great help to those who are trying to avoid them.
This Wednesday, June 15, is lobby day to Regulate GMOs at the New York State Capitol in Albany. Co-ops, organic advocates, and other concerned groups of citizens will gather for a day of lobbying and education in an effort to get New York State to require labeleing of GE/GMO foods. The films, The Future of Food and Hidden Dangers in Kids' Meals will be shown and books and other materials about GMOs will be on display. Folks will gather at the Legislative Office Building at 10:30 a.m. If you have the day to spare or even half a day, please come out to Albany.
Until labeling becomes a legal requirement we will have to do the next best thing: ask questions about where your food is coming from and how it is grown; and as much as possible, by it from local, organic or no-spray farmers who hold the preservation of a safe food supply and human and environmental health as core conerns.
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