Gardeners are close to nature. They love the never-gets-old miracle of a tiny seed growing into a sturdy plant. Organic gardeners enrich the soil and find ways to avoid chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. They try hard to protect living things that surround a garden - soil organisms, bees and butterflies and other beneficial insects, earthworms, and birds. They, especially, value being able to buy non GMO seeds online.
Many people don't know much about genetic modification of crops. In fact, relatively little research has been done; the planet is being used as a laboratory. Altering the DNA of a cell to create something never before seen in nature might be harmless; then again, it might not. When DNA, which contains information that controls reproduction, is altered, the organism cannot reproduce. This may be a blessing, since no one really knows what successive generations of GMOs would be like.
The goal is stated as increasing crop yields to feed a growing world population. However, many see a money motive behind the push for GMOs. Take modified soybeans, for instance. They can grow with a formerly lethal application of Roundup. The company that produces the seed makes money, and the herbicide manufacturer sells more of its product. The cost to the environment and the consumer is unknown.
It's ironic that the environmentalists are so silent on the subject of genetic modification. After all, the 'save-the-planet' movement started with the realization that DDT and other pesticides and herbicides were harming our air, soil, and water. Birds and other wildlife were dying as mankind attempted to make farming less labor-intensive and swampy areas full of mosquitoes fit for habitation.
One could conclude from their silence that the companies that manufacture altered seeds and chemicals used in farming are large donors. Americans should pay attention to the European attitude to genetically-modified foods. Europeans are pretty much opposed to the whole idea. Another problem is the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they protect. Since countries in the European Common Market have banned their use, the bees have returned to sustainable populations.
It's important for home gardeners to support companies that market natural seeds and plants. Many of these are small operations or family-farm enterprises, but some large catalog-sales companies offer only natural products. All you have to do is ask customer service to get this information.
All of us love volunteer plants that come back year after year in established gardens. Some gardeners have cherry tomatoes that their grandfathers planted; sweet potatoes endure for generations when soil conditions are right. With GMOs, saving seed or having it lie dormant over the winter and then sprout is impossible. This, of course, gives the technology owners great control over the world's food supply.
Under present guidelines, seed labeled 'organic' will not be modified. Heirloom seed and plants are also unaltered. It behooves all who value purity to guard heirloom varieties carefully and pay attention to attempts to change regulations.
Many people don't know much about genetic modification of crops. In fact, relatively little research has been done; the planet is being used as a laboratory. Altering the DNA of a cell to create something never before seen in nature might be harmless; then again, it might not. When DNA, which contains information that controls reproduction, is altered, the organism cannot reproduce. This may be a blessing, since no one really knows what successive generations of GMOs would be like.
The goal is stated as increasing crop yields to feed a growing world population. However, many see a money motive behind the push for GMOs. Take modified soybeans, for instance. They can grow with a formerly lethal application of Roundup. The company that produces the seed makes money, and the herbicide manufacturer sells more of its product. The cost to the environment and the consumer is unknown.
It's ironic that the environmentalists are so silent on the subject of genetic modification. After all, the 'save-the-planet' movement started with the realization that DDT and other pesticides and herbicides were harming our air, soil, and water. Birds and other wildlife were dying as mankind attempted to make farming less labor-intensive and swampy areas full of mosquitoes fit for habitation.
One could conclude from their silence that the companies that manufacture altered seeds and chemicals used in farming are large donors. Americans should pay attention to the European attitude to genetically-modified foods. Europeans are pretty much opposed to the whole idea. Another problem is the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they protect. Since countries in the European Common Market have banned their use, the bees have returned to sustainable populations.
It's important for home gardeners to support companies that market natural seeds and plants. Many of these are small operations or family-farm enterprises, but some large catalog-sales companies offer only natural products. All you have to do is ask customer service to get this information.
All of us love volunteer plants that come back year after year in established gardens. Some gardeners have cherry tomatoes that their grandfathers planted; sweet potatoes endure for generations when soil conditions are right. With GMOs, saving seed or having it lie dormant over the winter and then sprout is impossible. This, of course, gives the technology owners great control over the world's food supply.
Under present guidelines, seed labeled 'organic' will not be modified. Heirloom seed and plants are also unaltered. It behooves all who value purity to guard heirloom varieties carefully and pay attention to attempts to change regulations.
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