CT NOFA, or the Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association, is one of my favorite nonprofits in the state. The link is to their latest blog post regarding Monsanto's stance on GMO testing. There's also a further link provided in their blog that will lead you to studies that have been done on GMO testing.
Largely, my issue with GMOs is that buying GMO-laden foods supports companies like Monsanto who clearly do not have the public health in mind considering their long history as a chemical company, their cyclical abuse of power in their contracts with the farmers who have become dependent on their products, and their patenting of foods which are necessary for human survival. Monsanto is a corporation with only the almighty dollar in mind, and I use my dollar to vote against them by buying mostly organic, often locally produced, and non-GMO foods.
Understandably, not everyone can afford organic, and many people live in "food deserts." As an AmeriCorps volunteer earning a monthly stipend, I can sympathize - most of my money goes to rent and food, and I have little left over for other things. That's the choice I've made. I do, however, have access to multiple grocery stores and farmer's markets, so I take advantage of these things.
Plus, I'll be taking part in a CSA for the first time this year. CSAs, or Community Supported Agriculture, are a great way to support small farms with diversified crops, and to bring healthy, whole foods to your table. Consider finding one in your area, or checking out any farmer's markets.
Some quick tips on avoiding GMOs:
- Buy organic
- Purchase a CSA share from a farmer who doesn't grow GM produce
- Read labels - anything derived from soybeans or corn is most likely genetically modified
- Avoid processed foods - a large percentage of them contain GM soy or corn
- Read the PLU labels or produce labels - any five digit number starting with "8" is a GM piece of produce
- Grow your own produce - even if it's just a small amount, you can purchase heirloom seeds online
- Purchase grass-fed beef
- Buy wild caught fish
It's with our dollars and with our voices that we can temper the strength of powerhouses like Monsanto.
Happy Foraging!
