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.
It seems that genetic-modification is everywhere these days. This technology has not been proved safe by research, because it's relatively new to the marketplace. Rather, the planet is a giant laboratory. Signs like declining butterflies and bees are not widely publicized. Many choose to avoid foods that contain added genes or altered DNA, the molecule that governs reproduction and growth. All genetically-modified organisms cannot reproduce and are actually the polar opposite of 'natural'.
A lot of publicity about genetically-modified crops says that greater yields are possible with this technology and indeed are the main goal. However, those who oppose the contamination of the environment with non-natural organisms believe the real goal is making money. For example, modified soybeans can withstand a much greater herbicide application. Not only do the large companies make money from the sale of altered seeds, they also profit from higher sales of pesticides.
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.
It would be enlightening to see how much money manufacturers of GMOs and farm chemicals contribute to environmentalist movements. America is embracing the technology of 'factory farming', while Europe is resisting concepts like genetic modification, mono-cropping, and mass production of animals. The European Common Market has banned the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they profess to protect; the manufacturers are suing and the bees have come back.
Concerned consumers should support the small operations that sell heirloom or organic seed that is not altered. Since GMOs are patented products, most catalog-sale companies don't market modified seed either. However, unless there is an organic label or heirloom guarantee, consumers must ask before assuming anything. Ask customer service before buying.
Another reason to use natural seed is that you may want to save seed from this year's crop for next year's planting. GMO seed does not reproduce; in other words, any saved seed will be worthless. This, of course, gives great control over the food supply to those who sell altered seed. It also means that you won't have any of those neat little volunteer plants that many gardeners love.
Remember that organic seed will not be modified. Neither will heirloom varieties. Otherwise it's buyer beware if you want to avoid modified seed or plants. Make sure to ask before you buy seed for your own home garden.
It seems that genetic-modification is everywhere these days. This technology has not been proved safe by research, because it's relatively new to the marketplace. Rather, the planet is a giant laboratory. Signs like declining butterflies and bees are not widely publicized. Many choose to avoid foods that contain added genes or altered DNA, the molecule that governs reproduction and growth. All genetically-modified organisms cannot reproduce and are actually the polar opposite of 'natural'.
A lot of publicity about genetically-modified crops says that greater yields are possible with this technology and indeed are the main goal. However, those who oppose the contamination of the environment with non-natural organisms believe the real goal is making money. For example, modified soybeans can withstand a much greater herbicide application. Not only do the large companies make money from the sale of altered seeds, they also profit from higher sales of pesticides.
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.
It would be enlightening to see how much money manufacturers of GMOs and farm chemicals contribute to environmentalist movements. America is embracing the technology of 'factory farming', while Europe is resisting concepts like genetic modification, mono-cropping, and mass production of animals. The European Common Market has banned the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they profess to protect; the manufacturers are suing and the bees have come back.
Concerned consumers should support the small operations that sell heirloom or organic seed that is not altered. Since GMOs are patented products, most catalog-sale companies don't market modified seed either. However, unless there is an organic label or heirloom guarantee, consumers must ask before assuming anything. Ask customer service before buying.
Another reason to use natural seed is that you may want to save seed from this year's crop for next year's planting. GMO seed does not reproduce; in other words, any saved seed will be worthless. This, of course, gives great control over the food supply to those who sell altered seed. It also means that you won't have any of those neat little volunteer plants that many gardeners love.
Remember that organic seed will not be modified. Neither will heirloom varieties. Otherwise it's buyer beware if you want to avoid modified seed or plants. Make sure to ask before you buy seed for your own home garden.