Ruminations

A New York Times Editorial discusses the problems with genetically modified crops and their increasing resistance to so-called benign herbicides.

“The trouble with genetically engineered seeds is not the technology itself — bringing genetic traits from one species into another. It is the way this technology has forced farmers to rely almost exclusively on a single herbicide, and on an industrial scale. Herbicides are like antibiotics. Overuse them, and they become ineffective. … The solution is more diverse crops and cultivation practices, and a wider array of seeds, including non-genetically engineered ones. The unpalatable alternative is the re-introduction of far less benign herbicides. ”

Here’s the complete editorial: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/17/opinion/17mon3.html?emc=eta1

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According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, “the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress, criticized the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Environmental Protection Agency for allowing unapproved GE crops to enter the food supply. … However, the agencies rejected the GAO’s most important recommendation—to monitor GE crops after they are approved for commercial production. Unapproved GE crops are known to have contaminated the food supply six times since 2000, not counting the most recent incident in which an experimental GE variety of cottonseed was allowed to contaminate animal feed.”

Read the GAO report.

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The Union of Concerned Scientists is warning that in the waning days of the Bush Administration, the USDA continued its policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” regarding biotech regulations. In December the USDA announced that Monsanto harvested an unapproved variety of genetically engineered (GE) cottonseed and allowed it to contaminate crops, which were then fed to food animals. This event is the latest in a string of contamination incidents demonstrating the USDA’s inability to contain GE crops.

In addition, they warn that the FDA reversed itself on banning  the use of cephalosporin antibiotics in food animals. An organization called Keep Antibiotics Working has more information here: http://www.keepantibioticsworking.com/new/resources_library.cfm?RefID=104544

The full press release of the Union of Concerned Citizens is here: http://www.ucsusa.org/news/press_release/GE-contamination-as-USDA-weakens-rules-0166.html

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The Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety has published the results of a long-term study, carried out by Veterinary University Vienna, in which mice were fed with genetically modified (GM) corn developed by the Monsanto Corporation. The study found that GM corn led to lower fertility and body weights. The principle GM crops are soy, corn, cottonseed and canola. GM sugar from sugar beets will also be introduced before year’s end.

Of course, 100% grass-fed and finished beef does not have any exposure to genetically modified (GM) crops of any sort.

Here is a link to the study.

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by Ridge Shinn

One of the advantages of 100% grass-fed and -finished beef is that it has no additives and no exposure to GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) being introduced to the food stream. There are new GMO grass varieties bedng developed. So far, they are in the experimental stages, but grass farmers need to be vigilant about their introduction to farms. Health-oriented consumers do not want GMOs in their food supply.American consumers lag behind European consumers’ awareness of the potential dangers of GMO products. The August 2007 newsletter of the Institute for Responsible Technology has a very interesting article about GMOs:

http://www.seedsofdeception.com/utility/showArticle/?objectID=1458

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by Ridge Shinn

Even grass-farmers now have to worry about the exposure to GMO plants. Write to your congressmen and express your concern about GMO crops compromising 100% grass-fed beef.

In a May 3, 2007 article by the Associated Press, it is reported that a federal judge “barred the planting of genetically engineered alfalfa nationwide, ruling that the government didn’t adequately study the biotechnology crop’s potential to mix with organic and conventional varieties. … The ruling is a major victory for anti-biotech crusaders, who have been fighting the proliferation of genetically engineered crops. It is the first ban placed on such crops since the first variety–the Flavr Savr tomato–was approved in 1994.

Read the entire article in Horse.com: “Judge Prohibits Planting of Genetically Modified Alfalfa” by The Associated Press

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