organism into another that would not normally crossbreed or be possible with standard breeding programs, they disrupt an entire system.


“In agriculture, you can’t do just one thing without chang- ing a lot of other things in the process,” he explains. It’s really changing the interrelationships of other genes, with unintended consequences. Huber warns, “Any time we have a single gene modification extensively used throughout our agricultural pro- duction system, it leaves us extremely vulnerable.” For example, both Huber and Porter explain that glyphosate disrupts the soil’s complex microbiological sys- tem, 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 technology could simplify weed control and increase yields. Yet, according to The Organic Center, since the introduction of GE crops, nation- wide pesticide use has increased substantially, by a total of more than 300 million pounds in its first 13 years, and we can expect those numbers to continue to climb. 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 pro- moting 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 endo- crine disruptor to thyroid problems, prostate cancer, repro- ductive abnormalities, Parkinson’s disease and delays in brain development. Both Porter and Chuck Benbrook, chief scientist at The Organic Center, warn that, as confirmed in multiple studies, pregnant women and children are most susceptible to harm.


Making matters worse, in the State of Organic Seed report, the Organic Seed Alliance states that there is, “un- wanted spread of GE pollen and seed into organic agricul- tural systems,” and the genetic contamination of non-GMO crops. Chris Blanchard, an organic farmer in Decorah, Iowa, worries about the worldwide environmental impact of GMO crops. “Because genes flow in the environment, and because GMO crops are so widespread,” he explains, “it doesn’t take long before every variety in a species is contaminated with modified genes to some degree.”


Roundup Ready alfalfa grieves him the most, Blanchard confides. “Alfalfa is pollinated by bees, which can travel for miles, so we can be certain that seed stocks will be contami- nated, threatening the livelihoods of organic farmers.”


What We Can Do


It’s up to informed consumers to increase demand for non- GMO and organic foods. Here’s an effective action 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,


natural awakenings May 2011 27


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 pesticides, chemical fertilizers, antibiotics and hormones.


n Call or write President Obama, your state representatives and food manufacturers. 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, CenterForFoodSafety.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 dietitian and award- winning writer and radio 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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