Genetically modified foods (GMO) have been the focus of increasing protests and legislation in the United States but have been banned or labeled in 62 countries (as of late 2012) already. Wheat is one of the few crops grown in the U.S. that is not genetically modified primarily because other countries are openly hostile to GMO products and it would hurt exports. The recent discovery of unauthorized genetically modified wheat in Oregon has proven farmers’ concerns were right on target. Just the possibility that U.S. wheat exports might be tainted with GMO wheat has caused Japan to shut down imports and prompted South Korea to test every shipment they receive.
Initial reports had indicated that Monsanto had discontinued testing GMO wheat in 2005 but we are now finding out that they resumed testing in 2011. Monsanto has stated that the GMO wheat found in Oregon is “an entirely different event” than the wheat in the new field trials. The question of where the tainted wheat came from is in the hands of 15 investigators from the Agriculture Department. This is an increase from the initial response team of 9.
A farmer in Kansas, Ernest Barnes, filed a civil lawsuit against Monsanto on Monday. His lawsuit alleges that the discovery of the tainted wheat in Oregon has driven down wheat futures and damaged relations with International Markets. ?”Monsanto Executive Vice President David Snively issued a statement saying “tractor chasing lawyers” have prematurely filed lawsuits without any evidence of fault and before the crop’s harvest.” (Source: KSHB News) Monsanto seems to have laid the foundation needed to claim that they are not responsible however.?”‘The company’s internal assessments suggest that neither seed left in the soil or wheat pollen flow serve as a reasonable explanation behind this reported detection at this time,’ St. Louis-based Monsanto said in the blog post.” (Source: Agriculture.com)
If you are concerned about GMO foods in your diet, and if you live in the United States then you should be, but you can take steps to avoid them. Educate yourself about the risks associated with GMO foods. Tell your legislator that you want labeling of GMO foods so that you can make a more informed decision.
Eited/Published by: SB
