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The GM Debate
So what is GM?
GM stands for Genetic Modification - this involves the artificial insertion of a foreign gene into the genetic material of an organism in a random way. Currently GM crops are engineered to be resistant to herbicides - in order to kill weeds and those engineered to produce toxins - to kill pests. GM supporters claim that GM crops yield higher crops, use fewer herbicides and pesticides, being kinder to the environment, and can exist alongside non-GM crops.
However a report published by The Soil Association (called Seeds of Doubt), reports on the experiences of North America who fully embraced the GM technology. The evidence suggests that in reality the claimed benefits have not happened and many problems have occurred.
The report found that GM contaminates organic crops. In one province of Canada GM contamination has wiped out the whole organic oilseed rape sector, GM cannot co-exist with organic.
Reports from farmers of substantially reduced harvest have been backed up with scientific studies proving that GM does not increase yields, indeed the US government now admits this.
GM does not reduce herbicide use. GM 'Volunteers' (plants that appear after harvest with built - in resistance to herbicides) have spread quickly. Farmers are spraying more herbicides, sometimes reverting to older, more toxic chemicals in their efforts to control these.
GM crops have destroyed trade. Within two years the US and Canada lost over $600 million a year of agricultural exports due to GM crops, making their farmers even more dependant on subsidies.
Health concerns
Scientific knowledge of the processes involved are at an early stage despite GMO's being marketed for several years. Very little is known about the side effects of the inserted genes' random location, how gene function is controlled and how gene transfer into other micro-organisms - for example the bacteria in the human gut. Why take the risk? Organic food production is clearly opposed to GM production, so why eat organically? Carry on reading to find out why eating organically is a better option.
