©Joe Medieros
STANISLAUS CONNECTIONS
Working For Peace, Justice, and A Sustainable Environment
Living Lightly
According to a recent groundbreaking study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), genetically engineered DNA is contaminating traditional seeds of three major US crops*. If left unchecked, said UCS, this contamination could disrupt agricultural trade, unfairly burden the organic industry, and allow hazardous materials into the food supply.
"This study shatters the presumption that at least one portion of the seed supply — that for traditional varieties of crops— is truly free of genetically engineered (GE) elements," said Dr. Margaret Mellon of UCS. “Traditional seed supply is an agricultural treasure that must be preserved. The government should immediately follow up the study to determine the extent of contamination and the steps needed to protect this treasure."
The seeds tested in the pilot study were for traditional varieties of corn, soybeans, and canola that have no history of genetic engineering.
The degree of concern to attach to seed contamination depends on many factors, including the nature of the genes that are contaminating and the levels at which they occur. More tests will follow.
A companion article announced that 87 countries have agreed to new international protections from genetic contamination. Establishing international rights to protect public health, sustainable agricultural production, and the environment from genetic contamination caused by international trade, were some of the steps taken by a conference in February. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was adopted by consensus during negotiations. The US has refused to sign the treaty and worked hand-in-hand with industry lobbyists who develop and sell the GE seeds. Find more at the United Nations Environment Program web page, www.unep.org.
At the last election, Mendocino County residents voted overwhelmingly to ban GE seeds from their county. The area has a large number of organic farmers whose livelihood is threatened by GE seed contamination. The Community Alliance of Family Farmers (CAFF), publishers of the Agrarian Advocate, gave copies of the book on this subject to California legislators who are members of the Ag Committees. Its title: Seeds of Deception by Jeffrey Smith.
A few farmers who sell produce at Modesto's Farmers' Market are organic farmers. In order to qualify as organic growers, they must follow certain rules. Ask your favorite grower about their food and why they farm this way, and what are the advantages, food-wise, as well as the effect on the environment.
ACTION: Visit CAFF: www.caff.org/index.shtml
and the Union of Concerned Scientists: www.ucsusa.org/index.cfm
