Geneva Green Market: Geneva, Illinois – A Local Food Green Farmers Market

Ten good reasons why GMOs are not compatible with organic agriculture by Jim Riddle

Despite fundamental differences in what they represent, there are occasional calls to allow the use of genetic engineering (which produces genetically modified organisms, known as GMOs) within the USDA National Organic Program. GMO varieties are currently most widespread in corn, soybean, canola and cotton crops, in dairy production, and in minor ingredients, such as dairy cultures, used in food processing, but new products are being introduced and commercialized.

Here are 10 essential points that I believe show why GMOs are incompatible with organic production:

1. Basic science. Humans have a complex digestive system, populated with flora, fauna, and enzymes that have evolved over millennia to recognize and break down foods found in nature to make nutrients available to feed the human body. GMO crops and foods are comprised of novel genetic constructs which have never before been part of the human diet and may not be recognized by the intestinal system as digestible food, leading to the possible relationship between genetic engineering and a dramatic increase in food allergies, obesity, diabetes, and other food-related diseases, which have all dramatically increased correlated to the introduction of GMO crops and foods.
2. Ecological impact. Organic agriculture is based on the fundamental principle of building and maintaining healthy soil, aquatic, and terrestrial ecosystems. Since the introduction of GMOs, there has been a dramatic decline in the populations of Monarch butterflies, black swallowtails, lacewings, and caddisflies, and there may be a relationship between genetic engineering and colony collapse in honeybees. GMO crops, including toxic Bt corn residues, have been shown to persist in soils and negatively impact soil ecosystems. Genetically modified rBST (recombinant bovine somatrotropin, injected to enhance a cow’s milk output) has documented negative impacts on the health and well being of dairy cattle, which is a direct contradiction to organic livestock requirements.
3. Control vs harmony. Organic agriculture is based on the establishment of a harmonious relationship with the agricultural ecosystem by farming in harmony with nature. Genetic engineering is based on the exact opposite — an attempt to control nature at its most intimate level – the genetic code, creating organisms that have never previously existed in nature. Read more

Producers You Can Contact Directly for turkeys and other holiday heritage meats…

The farmers listed below have heritage turkeys, ham, geese, ducks, goats, and lamb available for Thanksgiving and Christmas. They are conscientious stewards of land and animals, and are committed to sustainable and humane livestock production, many are free range, antibiotic free and sustainably farmed.

Caveny Farm

Farmers: John and Connie Caveny, Caveny Farm
Breeds (Turkeys): Bourbon Red (Heritage breed)
Weights: 6 – 18 lbs
Price per lb.: varies by weight, see the Caveny Farm website
Deposit required: 50%
Pick-up locations: Various- including Evanston, Green City Market, Old Town, Geneva
Dates: Saturday before Thanksgiving.
On-farm pick-up available? Yes. Call to arrange. There is an $8 discount for farm pick-ups.
Contact: 217-762-7767, or Order a Caveny turkey on-line
Website: www.cavenyfarm.com
Farm location: 1999 N 935 East Road, Monticello, IL 61856

John and Connie Caveny describe themselves as “grass” farmers whose job is to manage the life cycles of pasture and pastured animals so as to optimize the health of both. As practical conservationists they believe farm and ranch land should be “working land” instead of “retired land.” Read more

Earlier this month the FDA sent out a press release inviting people to comment on their new regulations for genetically engineered animals.  Basically, genetically modified animals are coming to American tables whether we like it or not, and the FDA has decided that its approach to regulation will be to treat recombinant DNA constructs just as they would new drugs under review for approval.

Genetically modified organisms are already all around us: in crops that grow faster, bigger, in more extreme temperatures, or in ways that resist pests and disease; in pharmaceuticals; in animal testing; and in the production of cheese, bread, beers, and wines.  But what the future holds, at least in the eyes of proponents of genetically modified animals, are animals that grow faster, emit less phosphate or methane in their manure, are resistant to diseases like mastitis or mad cow, or have omega-3 fatty acids at levels similar to fish. The first animal to go through the regulatory process will probably be an Atlantic salmon developed in a Massachusetts lab. According to the New York Times, the fish fattens up to market weight in 18 months instead of 30.

Read the full article here…