Genetically Modified: Sciences Answer To A Food Crisis… Or The Destruction Of A Planet? Pt. 3 of 36/27/2016 By: Casey Jordan | From: TrueRants Network This article is the final in a three part series that will discuss some of what is happening in the food industry as it pertains to GMO’s and Genetically Engineering our food. A genetically modified organism or a “GMO” is a living organism that has been artificially altered and modified in a laboratory through genetic engineering or “GE” This science combines DNA from plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses that does not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. These organisms are also referred to as “transgenic” organisms. Scientists have voiced concerns that the release of genetically modified organisms could have dire consequences. Those consequences have not only affected the natural “wild” environment, but also our conventional and organic agriculture. Scientists now believe that with the use of GE/GMO seeds, herbicides, and pesticides, the world may be running out of usable topsoil. Due to the increase use of these substances, soil erosion and degradation, is at an all-time high. Estimates are currently suggesting only about 60 more viable years of use in much of our agricultural soil. Forty percent of the world's agricultural soil is now classified as either degraded or seriously degraded; meaning that 70 percent of the topsoil is eroded completely or unable to produce. Soil is being lost at 10 to 40 times the rate it can be replenished and our food production systems are to blame epitomizing the term unsustainable.
It takes decades or even centuries to regenerate significant levels of soil. When soil is unfit to produce vegetation, water is not able to access the root system in plants. Considering the claim that we have a global water shortage, which is expected to get worse in the next 30 years. This problem couldn’t be any more critical. It is important to mention soil is not just dirt. Soil actually is alive and just like most living things it needs to be taken care of. Soil has an incredible diverse population of microorganisms and minerals. One handful of soil contains more microbes than the number of people who have ever lived on our planet. Unfortunately, some companies have decided to accelerate the soil degradation for profit margins. Scotts Miracle-Gro has partnered with Monsanto to test a new GMO in backyards. Yes I said backyards. This new product is called Scotts Roundup-Ready Kentucky Bluegrass and is genetically engineered to withstand massive amounts of Monsanto’s Roundup. Because this product is also unregulated, it will not be labeled “GMO” (genetically modified organisms), and because of the ease with which grass spreads, could in short order contaminate lawns, parks, golf courses and pastures everywhere used. This not only puts organic farmers at risk of losing their certification, but it also puts the animals at risk of eating GMO grass. Research has shown that GMO grass has a devastating impact on the health of animals raised for slaughter. Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide has recently been described by researchers as, “the most biologically disruptive chemical in our environment.” It’s been linked to a litany of health disorders and diseases including Parkinson’s, cancer and autism. Studies have revealed a connection between the use of glyphosate and birth defects in frog and chicken embryos. A more recent study shows that the toxic herbicide was found in the breast milk of American women. Monsanto and Scotts are both members of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, which has spent millions to defeat GMO labeling laws and bans, and plans to sue Vermont to overturn its recently passed law requiring mandatory labeling of foods containing GMOs. So I would say when a company is so vast that it sues a state for passing legislation to protect their citizens, something has gone too far. In summary, I believe GMOs are very harmful in today’s society as shown in many studies and investigations into the subject. GMOs have undoubtedly caused more harm than good. Studies have linked GMOs to most of today’s rising chronic health conditions. Our environment is in great danger with soil depletion, a water shortage, and toxic chemicals being sprayed everywhere. It is crucial that we return to a more natural way of farming with natural products so our future generations have a chance to thrive. |
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