More news has surfaced in the debate about foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Contained in the 587-page funding legislation passed by Congress and signed by President Obama last week was a rider which prevents the Department of Agriculture from stopping the sale of any GMO crop already in agricultural production, even in the face of evidence that the GMO is harmful. This was the bill that prevented a government shutdown, and no member of Congress has taken responsibility for this rider. This comes in the wake of the announcement by Whole Foods that it would require labeling of GMOs on their shelves by 2015.
Specifically, the federal DoA would be required to approve the sale of crops from genetically modified seed, even in the face of any court order finding that environmental studies were inadequate. In the past the federal courts found studies were inadequate in the cases of GMO alfalfa and sugar beets.
The evidence that GMOS are harmful is open to interpretation. What has clearly happened is that this promising type of science has been hijacked to build profit for corporations like Monsanto. Most GMOs planted are Monsanto’s Round-up Ready grains like corn and soybeans. Round-up Ready means that these crops are resistant to the otherwise non-selective weed-killer also sold by Monsanto, Round-up. Farmers spray Round-up they bought from Monsanto on the crop whose seed they bought from Monsanto. They purchase the seed again next year, as replication of the seed on these farms is strictly prohibited, and even prosecuted. So, Monsanto has built what amounts to a monopoly here. This kind of “gotcha comin’, gotcha goin’” should raise the hackles of savvy consumers everywhere.
On the other hand, a GMO rice that contains beta carotene is currently in the final test stages. This could provide added nutrition in areas of the world where it is sorely needed. The last link here also has recommended, thoughtful content on the debate over GMOs in general.
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