Sir: They say you shouldn’t discuss religion or politics in public. Now apparently another subject not fit for public discussion is GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Why is that?
I am not against local farmers and their right to earn a living. Quite the contrary! But the evidence is mounting. GMOs are doing more harm than good! And they are not necessary.
Research continues to demonstrate that recent increase in crops yields are largely due, not to GMOs, but to other improvements in agricultural practices combined with traditional breeding.
Has anyone noticed the decline in bees and butterflies in our region? GM crops and their associated herbicides harm birds, insects, soil organisms etc. They reduce bio-diversity, pollute water resources, and are unsustainable. And they are harming human health.
Since their introduction into North American food sources, there has been an increase in diseases, once uncommon, but now highly correlated with the introduction of GMOs. Those diseases include food allergies, gluten intolerance, ADHD, infertility, obesity, autism, diabetes, Parkinson’s. Consumers are waking up to that reality, and turning away, demanding organic and GMO-free products.
Companies that market GMO products tell us they are safe. But these biotech companies also told us that Agent Orange, PCBs, and DDT were safe. The problem with GMOs is that, once they are out there, they cannot be recalled! GMOs cross-pollinate and their seeds travel. Once contaminated, it is impossible to clean up our gene pool.
Self-propagating GMO pollution will outlast the effects of global warming and nuclear waste. The potential impact is huge, threatening the health of future generations.
GMOs are banned in the European Union. European, Asian and African countries have destroyed North American grain exports because of GMOs.
Given the importance of agriculture to this region, my suggestion is this. Observe the trend, and let’s get ahead of it. If Chatham-Kent Essex wants a secure market for its agriculture products, we don’t need genetic modification. Let’s get back to nature.
Joanne Martin
Chatham
