Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Buy Non GMO Seeds Online

By Karina Frost


Gardeners like to see natural forces at work. They like working the soil, adding good things to it, and watching green shoots pop up. Many practice organic gardening methods, producing good food untainted with pesticides or herbicides. They hope to cope with harmful insects and plant diseases without harming beneficial insects and soil organisms. These organic gardeners will be happy to know they can buy non GMO seeds online.

It seems that genetic-modification is everywhere these days. This technology has not been proved safe by research, because it's relatively new to the marketplace. Rather, the planet is a giant laboratory. Signs like declining butterflies and bees are not widely publicized. Many choose to avoid foods that contain added genes or altered DNA, the molecule that governs reproduction and growth. All genetically-modified organisms cannot reproduce and are actually the polar opposite of 'natural'.

The goal is stated as increasing crop yields to feed a growing world population. However, many see a money motive behind the push for GMOs. Take modified soybeans, for instance. They can grow with a formerly lethal application of Roundup. The company that produces the seed makes money, and the herbicide manufacturer sells more of its product. The cost to the environment and the consumer is unknown.

The proponents of a 'green' policy are remarkably silent on this topic. It makes many wonder how much money they receive from the producers of pesticides, the very thing that started the movement in the first place. People came to realize that random spraying for mosquitoes and drenching fields with chemicals was poisoning the air, water, and soil. Birds and fish were dying, frogs were mutating, and people near manufacturing plants were getting sick.

One could conclude from their silence that the companies that manufacture altered seeds and chemicals used in farming are large donors. Americans should pay attention to the European attitude to genetically-modified foods. Europeans are pretty much opposed to the whole idea. Another problem is the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they protect. Since countries in the European Common Market have banned their use, the bees have returned to sustainable populations.

Fortunately many small family farm operations sell seed that has not been modified. Large catalog-sale entities may also do this; in fact, since the technology is owned by huge multi-national firms, this is probable. However, it's important to look for product information or ask customer service before purchasing. Consumers should support modification-free products and their suppliers to keep them in business.

Another reason to use natural seed is that you may want to save seed from this year's crop for next year's planting. GMO seed does not reproduce; in other words, any saved seed will be worthless. This, of course, gives great control over the food supply to those who sell altered seed. It also means that you won't have any of those neat little volunteer plants that many gardeners love.

Remember that organic seed will not be modified. Neither will heirloom varieties. Otherwise it's buyer beware if you want to avoid modified seed or plants. Make sure to ask before you buy seed for your own home garden.




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