Organic Labeling

GMOs advocates are advising the idea of including genetically altered organisms into organic farming. These advocates believe without the help of genetically engineered seeds the benefits of organic farming “will likely remain small” (Roland). However, the organic farming industry is anything but small; the sixth annual Organic Market Overview states America’s organic industry has grown by over 22 percent (Hewitt). Gallo Wine Company, for example, grows the most acres of organic crops in the United States. (Hewitt). This growth proves consumers’ preference to natural, GMO-free food. In addition, mixing GMOs in organic farming violates the fundamental principles of organic agriculture, which include: minimizing harm on the environment, enhancing

In order for the FDA to label GMOs, they must contain “material” differences that can be recognized through taste, smell, or other sense (“About GE Food”). A suit was filed against the FDA’s policy in 1998 alleging lack of labeling violates freedom of religion because it interferes with the dietary ethics of Jews, Moslems, and Hindus (Fox 41). In addition to violating the first amendment, GMOs have not been thoroughly tested for safety; the United States’ Department of Agriculture only spends one percent of the funds apportioned to them for risk assessment research on biotechnology (Altieri 159). The small numbers of studies that have been performed suggest there is not enough information on GMOs to deem them safe for consumption (Hewitt). A study titled, “Long term toxicity of a RoundUp herbicide and a RoundUp-tolerant genetically modified maize” by Gilles-Eric Séralini revealed the true harmful effects of genetically altered maize on rats. Monsanto, the manufacturer of the RoundUp product line, conducted a similar study prior to Séralini proving RoundUp to be harmless. Séralini’s study, on the other hand, found by increasing Monsanto’s RoundUp dosage in maize and the time frame, the rats developed tumors. This study brought about controversy and was

Also, public support and funding of sustainable agriculture research and education should not only solve world hunger, but also protect the environment. Banning GMOs in the United States prevents their environmental, social, and economical effects. GMOs promote biodiversity loss, prevent growth of organic markets, and hinder sustainable agriculture. They are not labeled and have several impacts on human health. GMOs expand world hunger and are monopolistic. The solution to banning GMOs through support. As the Indian proverb goes, “All the flowers, all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” If nothing is done about GMOs, there will not be flowers or tomorrows in the