GMOs at Tipping Point

Frankenfood

by Catherine Haug, December 25, 2011

Image, right, from Organic Consumers’ Association.

I recently wrote about New Legislation Affecting GMOs: new bills in the US House to mandate GMO labeling, and provide stricter safety protections for genetically engineered (GE) products. This awakening of our national legislators to this important health and environment topic is a strong sign that Monsanto, et. al., are no longer in total control.

But this is not the only sign that the balance is tilting in the favor of consumers, small farmers, and those who are concerned about our health and environment. 

Health Poll

Every month, The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll asks Americans about their awareness of and attitudes towards different health topics; in November 2010, the poll was about Genetically Modified Foods. While many (35%  – 60%) knowingly eat GMO foods, nearly all (93%) believe they should be labeled so we can make our own decisions about what we eat.

Here are the highlights from the poll: (5, 6)

  • Only 25% said they completely understood genetic engineering (GE).
  • 69% of respondents said they were aware that GE foods were currently being sold in stores.
  • 64% said they are unsure if it is safe.
  • 93% of respondents said genetically engineered foods should be labeled.
  • 60% said they are willing to eat genetically modified vegetables, fruits, and grains.
  • Only 38% said they would be willing to eat GE meat and 35% would eat GE fish.
  • Awareness of genetically engineered foods increased as income and education levels increased. Only 51% of respondents who earn less than $25,000 said they were aware of genetically engineered foods — compared with 84% of those who earn over $100,000.
  • Older respondents are the most willing to eat genetically engineered food. Only 32% of respondents ages 35-64 said they would eat altered fish, compared to 43% of those 65 and over.

Remember, it’s not always possible to know which foods are GMO, without labeling.

You can read about this, and others of the monthly Health Polls at The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll (5).

Legislation

California is the first state to vote on an initiative to mandate labeling of GMO foods, but other states will soon follow suit, including Washington and Michigan. (see The EssentiaList: October is Non-GMO Month for more.

In the Courts

Schmeiser vs Monsanto

Percy Schmeiser was breeding and growing his own canola seeds on his farm in Saskatchewan Canada, when Monsanto discovered plants with DNA from Monsanto’s GMO canola growing in Schmeiser’s fields. Percy and his wife were in danger of losing their whole farm, but they determined to fight back, when Monsanto sued on patent infringement in 1998.

The Canadian Federal Court heard arguments on this case, and in May 2008, handed down a 5-to-4 ruling that Schmeiser had violated Monsanto’s patent.  Schmeiser and his supporters didn’t give up the fight. “In June, 2008, this same “Court handed down a zinger of a decision making corporations fully accountable for the damage they cause to the environment through negligence or (greedy) intent. The Supreme Court ruled that our environment and everything in it should be valued on more than just a (potential) market value basis,’ said Sierra Legal lawyer Robert Wright.” (1) Monsanto settled out of court, agreeing to pay for all the clean-up costs.

Schmeiser’s fight for farmer’s rights has been featured in a 52-minute documentary film, “David versus Monsanto.” View a 5 minute introduction to this film on You Tube: “David vs Monsanto”. Or view the entire film on DVD – more info at  www.percyschmeiser.com/DVD.htm.

For more information and short videos, see Percy Schmeiser: The Man who Beat Monsanto.

Riceland Foods vs Bayer Corporation

Riceland Foods’ natural long grain rice was found to be contaminated with Bayer’s unapproved genetically engineered rice, and consequently lost their Eurozone clients. Riceland sued, and won their case in April of this year, in an Arkansas court. “The jury found that Bayer caused tremendous harm to Riceland and the entire industry and awarded Riceland $11.8 million in compensatory damages and $125 million in punitive damages. The jury also found that Bayer was solely responsible for any damages incurred by farmers as a result of the loss of the European market.” (2, 3)

Riceland’s suit was just one of 3000 similar lawsuits against Bayer in recent years.

GM Maize contamination in Ireland and Germany

These countries outlaw GMO crops, yet in 2010, GMO-contaminated plants were found growing in the fields. In Ireland, the problem was traced to a seed supplier. 3 out of 1,000 plants were contaminated by Monsanto’s illegal GM maize, NK603. The crop was subsequently destroyed to protect Organic farms in the area. (3)

Similar problems were discovered in Germany, but the farmers had to destroy their crops without recompense, because the seed supplier refused to accept liability. (3, 4)

More films on GMO:

References:

  1. Percy Schmeiser: The Man Who Beat Monsanto and www.percyschmeiser.com/Ferrie.htm
  2. Jury awards $136.8 million in genetically-modified rice lawsuit
  3. Mercola: Percy Schmeiser: Farmer Who Beat Monsanto
  4. DW World: Genetically modified corn contaminates crops in seven German states
  5. NPR: Americans Are Wary Of Genetically Engineered Foods and The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll
  6. NaturalGrocers.com: NPR poll: Americans want genetically modified food labeled

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