Genetically modified crops being doused in pesticides. (Bronner 2014)
A LEGACY OF GMOs AND CHEMICALS
Norman Borlaug introduced a novel idea that we can modify crops to fit our needs. But now, many green-enthusiasts have begun to wonder if Borlaug's legacy of genetically enhanced food, such as GMOs, is safe.
"GMOs ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR INCREASED USE OF PESTICIDES- AND THE WATER POLUTION, SOIL CONTAMINATION, AND RISKS TO FARMWORKER HEALTH ASSOCIATED WITH THEM."
-ALISA GRAVITZ, CEO OF NON-GMO ORGANIZATION, GREEN AMERICA
An important question, asked with humor (Eaton, 2013)
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Leah Walton, regional organizer of Greenpeace Los Angeles, speaks out on GMOs. (Penn & Teller, 2014)
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BUT WHY IT'S WORTH ANY RISK
"PRIVILEGED SOCIETIES HAVE THE LUXURY OF ADOPTING A VERY LOW-RISK POSITION ON THE GM CROPS ISSUE, EVEN IF THIS ACTION LATER TURNS OUT TO BE UNNECESSARY. BUT THE VAST MAJORITY OF HUMANKIND DOES NOT HAVE SUCH A LUXURY, AND CERTAINLY NOT THE HUNGRY VICTIMS OF WARS, NATURAL DISASTERS, AND ECONOMIC CRISES . . . . ESOTERIC ARGUMENTS ABOUT THE GENETIC MAKEUP OF A BAG OF GRAIN MEAN LITTLE TO THOSE FOR WHOM FOOD AID IS A MATTER OF LIFE OR DEATH."
-DR. NORMAN BORLAUG
When our team discussed the issue of risk with Monsanto Company, they claimed that all GMOs that enter the market are extensively tested, and that there is no risk. But even if there were a small risk, would starving, dying masses care?
Dr. Clive James, founder of the ISAAA, quotes Borlaug on why GMOs are worth the risk. (ISAAA, 2014)
"THANKS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE OVER THE PAST ONE HUNDRED-FIFTY YEARS, WE NOW HAVE THE INSIGHTS INTO PLANT GENETICS AND BREEDING TO DO PURPOSEFULLY WHAT MOTHER NATURE DID HERSELF IN THE PAST BY CHANCE OR DESIGN. GENETIC MODIFICATIONS OF CROPS IS NOT SOME KIND OF WITCHCRAFT, RATHER IT IS THE PROGRESSIVE HARNESSING OF THE FORCES OF NATURE TO THE BENEFIT OF FEEDING THE HUMAN RACE."
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"RISK IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. IT CAN TAKE THE US MORE THAN THREE YEARS TO GRANT APPROVAL OF A NEW BIOTECH PRODUCT. [IN ADDITION TO APPROVAL BY THE USDA, EPA AND FDA\ RESEARCHERS ALSO CARFULLY EVALUATE THE PRODUCT SAFETY, VERIFYING THAT THE NEW GMO PRODUCT DOES NOT INTRODUCE ANY TOXINS OR ALLERGENS; IS NUTRITIONALLY THE SAME AS ITS NON-GE COUNTERPART; AND HAS NO EFFECT ON NON-TARGET ORGANISMS LIKE BENEFICIAL INSECTS, BIRDS AND OTHER WILDLIFE."
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