product would be admitting that the GE products are somehow different. However, genetically modified


crops are different. Don Huber, Ph.D., a plant pathologist and professor emeri- tus at Purdue University, says that when scientists insert genetic material from one organism into another that would not normally crossbreed or be possible with standard breeding programs, they disrupt an entire system.


For example, both Huber and


Warren Porter, Ph.D., a biologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, explain that glyphosate disrupts the soil’s complex microbiological system, critical for delivering micronutrients to plants. This both increases the plants’ susceptibility to diseases and reduces the nutritional quality of food crops. Farmers were told that GMO tech-


nology could simplify weed control and increase yields. Yet, according to The Organic Center, since the introduction of GE crops, nationwide pesticide use has increased substantially, by a total of more than 300 million pounds. The Union of Concerned Scientists reports that claims for higher yields have fallen short, as well. Now, new superweeds have


developed resistance to glyphosate, and the biotech giants have responded by promoting new GE plants, resistant to stronger herbicides such as 2,4-D. The Pesticide Action Network of North America continues to collect research that links this suspected endocrine disruptor to thyroid problems, prostate cancer, reproductive abnormalities, Parkinson’s disease and delays in brain development. Both Porter and Chuck Benbrook, chief scientist at The Or- ganic Center, warn that, as confirmed in multiple studies, pregnant women and children are most susceptible to harm.


Making matters worse, the Or-


ganic Seed Alliance reports that there is, “unwanted spread of GE pollen and seed into organic agricultural systems,” and the genetic contamination of non-GMO crops. Roundup Ready alfalfa grieves Chris Blanchard the most. Blanchard, an or- ganic farmer in Decorah, Iowa, explains: “Alfalfa is pollinated by bees, which can travel for miles, so we can be certain that seed stocks will be contaminated, threat- ening the livelihoods of organic farmers.”


natural awakenings May 2011 13


What We Can Do It’s up to informed consumers to increase demand for non-GMO and organic foods. Here’s an effective ac- tion plan to protect our health and save Planet Earth. n Read ingredient labels and vote with your food dollars. Reject products likely to contain GMOs, such as dextrose, corn starch, corn syrup or corn sugar, soy lecithin, canola and cottonseed oils, and sugar from sugar beets.


n Choose certified organic foods. They are our single best bet for avoiding GMO ingredients, synthetic pesti- cides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and hormones.


n Call or write President Obama, state representatives and food manufactur ers. Voice opposition to GMO crops


and demand GMO-food labeling.


n Grow some food using organic seeds. n Stay informed and don’t be duped. Here are some helpful resources:


• Center for Food Safety, CenterFor FoodSafety.org


• Radio interviews with Warren Porter (2/18/10) and Don Huber (4/21/11) on kopn.org, tinyurl.com/yjhurre


• The Organic Center, Organic-Center. org


• American Academy of Environmental Medicine’s Genetically Modified Food Position Paper, aaemonline.org/ gmopost.html


Melinda Hemmelgarn is a registered di- etitian and award-winning writer and ra- dio host based in Columbia, MO. Reach her at FoodSleuth@gmail.com and tune in to Food Sleuth Radio at kopn.org.


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