GMO – Genetically Modified Organisms

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are living organism that have had their genetic material modified through genetic engineering techniques. There is currently public debate pertaining to the safety of GMO’s, and their widespread use. This conversation stretches from recent efforts in California to require labeling of food that contains GMO’s and the large financial contributions which were at play by major food companies against this policy, to issues of food sovereignty covered in a post from last week. At Lick Run we are committed to avoiding the use of GMO products for reasons we want to make clear.

Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum non-selective herbicide. This means that it does not target a particular plant but instead kills all plants. Its use in conventional agriculture has tripled since 1997 due in large part to the production of “Roundup Ready” crops. These are GMO’s that have been modified to tolerate glyphosate. These GMO plants are sold as seed to farmers through contracts which require them to not save any of their harvest which contains these patented genes for later planting. It is illegal to grow crops that contain these patented genes without being under contract and farmers have been taken to court over this. This is a battle currently being fought in the highest court in the US and only time will tell how it turns out. To add to this controversy, Clarence Thomas worked as a lawyer for Monsanto from 1976 – 1979. Clarence Thomas has decided not recused himself, a violation of federal law.

(a) Any justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States shall disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned. – 28 U.S.C. § 455

Although it is easy for us to reasonably question Clarence Thomas’ impartiality, and his violation of federal law stands as a smack in the face for the system of checks an balances that seems to work only in theory, two major problems we at Lick Run see which we can do something about follow. The first is the use of glyphosate. On principle, we do not believe in the application of poisons to food. We prefer to manage weeds and pests using well-balanced and long term solutions. This means  the utilization of farming techniques which work within the existing ecosystem, taking advantage of certain plants properties and planting techniques developed for those regions. The continuous reliance on herbicides has led to the evolution of superweeds, or weeds resistant to herbicides. Glyphosate has also been shown to be poisonous to other life forms such as amphibians. The two examples above highlight what we see as short sighted use of technology in an attempt to maximize food production. At Lick Run we are committed to the prudent application of technology. If these practices and techniques will not still be feasible in ten generations, then we do not want to base our farming practices on them.

The second problem with the above situation is that the seeds produced from genetically modified crops are directly controlled by the biotech companies that produce them and are further protected by patents. Seed saving is a human tradition that stretches back to the first farmers who determined that through careful selection of crops and the proper storage of seeds they could produce a better crop the following year. We believe that it is dangerous when control over the process of seed saving is taken out of the farmers’ hands. To be dependent upon a single or limited few companies to provide use with the means of food production (i.e. weed control or seeds) is the antithesis of food sovereignty.

There is plenty more to be said on these issues. There is also plenty of research you can do on your own. Inform yourself on some of these points and make your own decisions. Ask questions and talk with family, neighbors, and friends. You are also welcome to come on by Lick Run and ask us. Only when you are educated on the issues can you make an informed decision.

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