Tag Archives: Monsanto

Stop the GM tide

Posted by anythingastro in Genetically Modified (GM) and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

When it comes to the debate about the legitimacy and usefulness of genetically modified crops some argue that the train has left the station…that there is no stopping them now and progress is progress. As if those who oppose or question GMOs are ignorant or afraid of change. In an August 9, 2012 letter entitled, “No stopping GM tide” published in Sydney based newspaper The Australian, John Francis of Tasmania writes,

“Genetically modified crops are better than conventional crops, just as tractors are better than ploughmen and horses, which is why GM crop adoption is as inevitable now as adoption of the tractor was 100 years ago“.

I argue that there are better ways to innovate agriculture than to blindly allow corporations to market and patent our food using untested genetically modified methods. There are better ways to innovate than to poison our bodies and land with more and more specialized pesticides with unknown consequences. I realize that Americans often throw caution to the wind, especially when profit is involved, but the way big Agriculture has indoctrinated farmers and consumers with GM crops is deceitful and bad science. Science is process and testing and most if not all of the existing GM crops have been designed around productivity not human health nor precious resource management of soil, water or existing natural plant and animal systems. Chemical warfare innovator Monsanto is deceitful as to how they have tested their products not to mention its status as a superpower in the land of lobbyists. How is it that in just two decades over 70% of grocery store items contain one or more genetically modified ingredients? It is as if those who we elect to regulate have been asleep as well as the average American. If you don’t care about what you stuff in your face, what do you care about?

One thing we can all agree on is that the world is talking about genetically modified organisms…finally. Europe in many cases has banned them, Africa is rightfully suspicious and places like the US and Australia are actively engaged in the debate. In the US, GM crops have infiltrated into most crop fields in America. In the 90′s, genetically modified crops literally swept the nation with little notice from the public…but times have changed. In November 2012, the state of California will vote yes or no to label food products containing genetically modified ingredients. See my previous blog post about what the California vote could mean to the future of GM foods.

In the quote above from the Aussie he states that [GM crops] are as “inevitable as the tractor replacing the plough”. I have another analogy. While the tractor was a great idea…genetically modified crops are not. Corporate giants made a hasty market move at the expense of nature and humanity when they developed GM crops, what GM crops have done is increase corporate profit. The pushing of GM crops is a bed fellow of the oil & gas industry as well as the beef and dairy industry and countless other industries that greedily push for profit at any cost. Maybe the tractor is an accurate analogy because it consumes that dirty ol’ fuel that we all know is not sustainable nor healthy. When will we learn that high productivity is not always good, be it food production or the economy. Sustainability should be the long term mission for any nation’s agricultural goals. There are organic farmers that are successful! There are ways to farm and produce food that people need and want. There are ways for farmers to wean themselves off of Monsanto’s poisonous breast.

I personally love science and in the case of GM crops I look forward to independent, peer reviewed, time tested genetically modified crops not influenced by lobbyists, corporate profit or education grants with strings attached. GM crops blindly pass through the EPA and FDA at the expense of human and animal health, the environment and the organic/natural food market.

Genetically modified crops [at present] are unsustainable and driven by corporate greed and control. Just as the coal and oil industry is unsustainable and is slowly but surely being replaced by cleaner, more efficient and sustainable energy sources as this century marches on. The future on this little blue globe must become cleaner if humans are to live healthily. GM crops play dirty. The train may have left the station but even the locomotive had its heyday.

High Performance Fuel/Food Does a Body Good

Posted by anythingastro in Genetically Modified (GM) and tagged with , , , , , , , , ,

California’s Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act (Proposition 37) will be on the state’s November 6th ballot. If it passes, I predict, it will ricochet changes throughout the food industry as we know it. Its repercussions will mortally wound big Agriculture as a whole and giants such as Monsanto and Cargill, as well as pulling the curtain on the Beef and Dairy industry.

With over 70% of American grocery store shelves pushing food products containing one or more genetically modified ingredients, if Prop. 37 passes most main stream food producers will need to either replace GM ingredients or label them. The food market of California is big enough to change the entire country. Can you imagine the marketing and advertising crew at Coca-Cola deciding if they should print on each can that the high fructose corn syrup used to sweeten Coke comes from genetically modified corn? If you say “big deal” then why doesn’t Coca-Cola, PepsiCo and Kellogg’s just proudly label their ingredients?

Coca-Cola is pumping millions of dollars into preventing Prop. 37 from passing and they are “educating” the American public about how harmless their genetically modified ingredients are. High fructose corn syrup is already bad enough even if it wasn’t made from GM corn. If the bill passes maybe Coca-Cola will choose to switch to the more expensive and slightly less toxic and tastier cane sugar found in its Mexican version (in the old fashion glass bottles). It seems they will do anything to avoid labeling their proud ingredients, why?…cecause it matters and consumers will care and giants like Coca-Cola know it.

Shit foods (fast food, anti-biotic crap meats, pus-filled milk and food full of cheap ingredients and chemicals) are going down. The American public is slow to get it but they are finally starting to figure out what the saying, “You are what you eat” means. There will soon be a decade where Americans will take as good or better care of their bodies as they do their precious cars. High performance fuel/food is what does a body good. I hope California sets the standard and people wake up to the connection between what they eat and how they feel.

This blog post was inspired by the article, Why we need GMO food labeling by Ronnie Cummins written on June 28, 2012.

Transgenic corn (Bt) toxin studied in Switerland

Posted by anythingastro in Genetically Modified (GM) and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

Transgenic organisms are genetically modified (GM) organisms that have been engineered to express a gene from a different species. A classic example is transgenic corn containing a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis. A toxin, known as (Bt) toxin, is inserted from the bacterium into the corn’s genome acting as a biological pesticide. Spores and crystalline insecticidal proteins produced by B. thuringiensis have been used to control insect pests since the 1920s. Quickly reading though what is written about the (Bt) toxin technology, most of the past and present material states that it is environmentally friendly and has little to no effect on humans, wildlife or beneficial insects.

I came across an article on ScienceDaily entitled, Lethal Effects of Genetically Modified Bt Toxin Confirmed On Young Ladybird Larvae. The article summarizes a paper in the science journal Environmental Sciences Europe on February 15, 2012 published by Angelika Hilbeck and a team of Swiss researchers. The paper original is entitled, A controversy re-visited: Is the coccinellid Adalia bipunctata adversely affected by Bt toxins? The study finds that (Bt) toxin is deadly to the larvae of lady bugs, one of the beneficial insect species it was proported not to effect. Some may shrug at the death of lady bugs, the point is that all life is connected and that we as humans do not have immunity.

ScienceDaily begins:

“Swiss researchers of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zürich confirm earlier findings that the Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxin Cry1Ab produced for pesticidal purposes by genetically modified (GM) Bt maize increases mortality in the young ladybird larvae (Adalia bipunctata L., two-spotted ladybird) in laboratory tests. These ladybird larvae are typical ‘non-target’ environmental goods which are not supposed to be harmed by the GM maize.”

By no means the only conclusion of the academic paper, the study also addresses a previous study by a different research team whose methods were found to be faulty. The poor methods yielded a false negative giving a green light of safety for the (Bt) toxin technology. The point is there are valid scientific studies showing the harmful effects of ingesting genetically modified food. The studies exist.

Considering that monsters like Monsanto do not permit their patented seeds and plants to be tested without their supervision, the US does have a pathetically small library of data about GMOs in regards to human and animal health. With few studies to prove or disprove the safety of GM crops, the PR machines of biotech corporations can simply poo-poo foreign studies and encourage the mass media to continue their mediocre coverage. More studies are underway and will continue to surface about the hazards and shortcomings of current biotech foods. I hope that in the future, sustainable, well thought out and tested biotechnology will lead the way uniting science with nature. It is not that biotechnology is bad, it is a relatively young science taken over by the greedy motivation and lack of vision that funds it.

The debate about genetically modified foods is hotter than I have seen it. The US public is still waking up to what “GM” even means, it is not an automobile company. Slowly but surely, people are realizing the true costs of industrial agriculture and are educating themselves about GMOs. Listening to what Indian and many European countries have already learned is of increasing value to Americans.

By no means does being against the current genetically modified agricultural methods mean benign again science or biotechnology all together. Improving crop efficiency and creating sustainable practices that nourish our bodies and the land on which the food is grown is common sense. The pros of producing and eating crap GM foods (high fructose corn syrup, sugar beets for white table sugar or allergy ridden wheat proteins) does not outweigh its multitude of cons.

The ongoing statement that growing GM food is the only way to feed the world is one of the grandest deceptions of our time. The corporations that benefit, continue to blare this and other manipulations over their loud-speaker, brainwashing the consumer over and over like high-pitched Chinese propaganda in occupied Tibet.

By avoiding GMOs you support local, organic chemical-free food. This is good for you, your community and the land. GM crops do not support life, the technology is created around poisons…literally.

The big problem is that in just a few decades, GM foods have taken over. They hide unlabeled in so many of our day to day foods. Some 70% of products, on an average American supermarket shelf, contain genetically modified ingredients. Labeling food that contains GMOs is a powerful way to put the brakes on this steamroller. What you don’t know won’t hurt you? It will slowly toxify the body, cause allergies, autoimmune responses, cancer, diabetes, obesity and general dis-ease.

Can anyone respond with a solid, thoughtful rebuttal defending genetically modified crops? I am serious, I would like to read it…

Vote California! Right to Know About Genetically Engineered Food Initiative 2012

Posted by anythingastro in Genetically Modified (GM) and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

After 560,000 legitimate signatures are collected in California, The California Right to Know About Genetically Engineered Food Initiative will officially be on the state’s ballot in November 2012. California Right to Know is a massive campaign that if successful will requirement food containing genetically modified ingredients, sold on California’s shelves, to be labeled.

When polled, the American public repeatedly and overwhelmingly favor labeling GM foods. From a consumer’s perspective why not label? Why not educate yourself? For the people who do not care, what will labeling hurt? The pros for the consumer far out way the cons. I can not think of any substantial cons for the consumer, but I can image a mountain of cons for the companies that push the products. Labeling would put a wrecking ball in the plans of those who create, sell and package GM foods (Monsanto, Cargill, Kraft, Kellogg’s the list goes on and on). Voting with your dollar can be even more powerful than voting at the ballot box.

California needs to gather the signatures so that consumer’s will have the information right in front of them as they choose what to place in their carts. The monster corporations who have the monopoly on the seed and the poison to “grow” them would prefer the consumer focus on the positives, like the shiny “natural” packaging. Many products that contain GM ingredients use the word natural or wholesome. If the initiative passes, the food industry would have to adjust their labels or adjust their ingredient sources. Companies like Monsanto and Cargill are heavy hitters and have a well trained army of lobbyists who are already ahead of the game. Labeling would really spoil their plans. If they produce such great products why do they resist labeling?

The deception of GM crops is spread worldwide. Genetically modified crops make up the vast majority of US crops and the US government, along with big agriculture, pushes for them as if they are the only solution to our need for food. Like a salesman with the only vacuum cleaner you will ever want. In early 2012, Wikileaks revealed that in 2007, the Bush administration had ongoing dialogue with US ambassadors (France and Spain specifically) who politically bullied European countries to use genetically modified seeds. In most cases, Monsanto’s GM corn was the pushed product. Many European countries require GMO labeling and have steered away from GM crops. This decision came after the results of animal testing showed infertility and poor health from consuming GM foods. European countries test first, rather than the reckless American policy of staying under the radar as they profit first, test never. Monsanto for example, is highly protected politically and financially in the US and is powerful enough to push their agenda abroad. Monsanto’s patented seeds give the company the right to sue any researcher who uses their seeds/plants to conduct research about GMO consumption by animals. To me the deception is so thick that only a fool would buy this Kerby.

California’s Right to Know initiative if passed with be a powerful win for the people of every state in the union. For more information about the initiative check out LabelGMOs.org, Food Democracy Now, Organic Consumers Fund, Mercola.com and others. If you live in California seek out and sign the petition, then casting your vote in November 2012. If you live outside of California contribute by contacting your state or federal government representatives. Ask if they are making any effort to label or limit the corporate takeover of our food supply. Hawaii has a similar initiative that may go on their ballot. Considering that more than half of all the packaged food on American’s supermarket shelves contain one or more genetically modified ingredients the Goliath’s have a lot to lose by labeling their deceit and the consumer has everything to gain.

Listen to the audio Interview with Ronnie Cummins about GMO labeling ballot initiative in California for a great discussion about the California initiative.

Modified Monoculture From Sea to Shining Sea

Posted by anythingastro in Genetically Modified (GM) and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,

When polls are taken in the US about labeling genetically modified ingredients there is an overwhelming vote of yes, again and again. However, public awareness about the debate sometimes surprises me. There are those who have absolutely no awareness or interest in what a GM crop is. Many do not have an interest in what they consume on a daily basis. What surprises me is how disconnected people can be from what their food is and how it is grown. Even from the armchair perspective of city folk, knowing what you eat and where it comes from in the modern age is a golden key to being happy and healthy.

PoliticalFruit.com will cover the issues surrounding genetically modified organisms. As a resident of Boulder, Colorado, I followed the Boulder County Commissioners as they deliberated for years about the policy of GM foods grown on leased county land. In late December, 2011, the final decision allowed GM crops to persist. Even in Boulder where ideals are high and organic farms common about 15% of the public’s farm land will be planted with genetically modified patented seeds and the chemicals that accessorize. In that final public meeting citizens once again spoke their minds during hours of testimony, even a Monsanto spokesman graced the microphone. As I sat through the hours of pros and cons I realized that if the people at this meeting are the concerned citizens and only half are willing to halt the practice of growing poison crops for human consumption, then the public in general will not really care either. It is ironic that the “liberals” were the ones supporting a cautious approach, they made statements that were conservative in the true sense of the word when it came to the environment, water, soil, food and traditional farming. The “conservatives” at the meeting were there as a herd in their matching green farmer hats unwilling to listen to the arguments and unwavering in their preconceived spoon fed opinion that genetic crops are the same if not better than traditional crops. I know the arguments, I have heard the studies and perspectives from both sides, these meetings go on for 12 plus hours mind you. It is as if the opposing sides live in alternate universes.

Europe looked at the evidence about GM crops and after listening to their voters moved to ban GM crops from regions or in some cases entire nations. Meanwhile, America is a subsidized big agriculture mess and the strongest supporter of GM crops. America has the greatest obesity epidemic and diet related dis-eases such as diabetes in the world. Our society has gone so far as to use arable land and precious clean water to grow that corn for use as fuel, heralding it as an alternative energy. Ethanol is an alternative corporate experiment to see how much Franken corn can be marketed, finding yet another use for the patented seed products and the poisonous chemicals that accompany.

“The train has left the station”, many have declared about GM crops, “Everyone else is doing it.” The vast majority of corn, soybean, cotton and many other crops are genetically modified monoculture monsters from sea to shining sea. As you drive through the midwest or great plains the vast majority of the corn you see is genetically modified. Monoculture means one crop, specialized pesticides dose the genetically modified crops leaving nothing alive accept the genetically altered plant that is designed to withstand the poison. Most if not all of the plants, animals and microbes in and around GM crop are killed including everything in the soil and water. The land is literally sterilized. All life is selected against bar the GM crop. This has its benefits but do they outweigh the risks. The fact that all life is eliminated should draw a red flag. When Monsanto’s DDT was sprayed throughout the US during WWII, the pesticide was infamously sprayed on children playing in the streets. It amazes me that the parents apparently had no intuitive sense of dis-ease. How can a substance that kills everything around it be good for humans. It is as if people forget that we are part of the animal kingdom. Do Americans still so blindly trust corporations and their government?

“Industry leaders are acutely aware of the fact that every single industry or government poll over the last 16 years has shown that 85-95% of American consumers want mandatory labels on GMO foods. Why? So that we can avoid buying them. GMO foods have absolutely no benefits for consumers or the environment, only hazards. This is why Monsanto and their friends in the Bush, Clinton, and Obama administrations have prevented consumer GMO truth-in-labeling laws from getting a public discussion in Congress.

Although Congressman Dennis Kucinich (Democrat, Ohio) recently introduced a bill in Congress calling for mandatory labeling and safety testing for GMOs, don’t hold your breath for Congress to take a stand for truth-in-labeling and consumers’ right to know what’s in their food. Especially since the 2010 Supreme Court decision in the so-called Citizens United case gave big corporations and billionaires the right to spend unlimited amounts of money (and remain anonymous, as they do so) to buy media coverage and elections, our chances of passing federal GMO labeling laws against the wishes of Monsanto and Food Inc. are all but non-existent.”

The above paragraphs are from an article entitled, USDA Forces Whole Foods to Accept Monsanto. Jared Polis, Colorado’s 2nd congressional district, is a sponsor of the above mentioned bill H.R.3553: Genetically Engineered Food Right to Know Act. Also, California will vote in 2012 on genetically modified foods being labeled. These examples of political action and awareness about GM foods give signs that our society is attempting to wake up and take action for our environment and personal health.

Thanks for reading,

Heather S.

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