Thursday, September 25, 2014

Why To Buy Non GMO Seeds Online

By Karina Frost


Gardeners above all others love nature. Seeds that go into the ground sprout and grow like individual miracles. Especially when organic gardening techniques are used, all life around a vegetable plot will flourish (except things like squash bugs or tomato worms). Especially for those who value natural goodness and purity, it's nice to 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'.

Creators of GMOs say that the technology will produce higher yields, which is important for the earth's growing populations. Many look instead to the higher profits it creates for the owners of the technology. Modified soybean plants, for example, can withstand heavier applications of pesticides like Roundup. Companies not only profit from selling the seed, they also make more from increased herbicide sales.

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.

If you want to save seed from this year's crop for next season's planting, you can't sow GMOs now. The fact that such seed must be purchased new every year is another red flag for consumers. Think of the control this gives the patent holder over the world's food supply. In addition, you won't get any volunteer plants from GMOs - in theory, anyway. There are usually some weird-looking approximations of the parent plants sprouting in fields that were sown with modified seed.

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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