Winning the Battle Against Genetically Engineered Crops
Just Say No to GMO
In June 2010, Bayer withdrew their application in Brazil to plant genetically engineered (GE) rice. It took 8 years for Bayer to finally understand that Brazilian farmers don't want GE rice in their fields. As farmers turned down GE rice & Bayer withdrew application, I realize we can win the battle against GMO or Genetically Engineered Crops.
Bayer applied in 2002, but the constant refusal of farmers to use the GE crop eventually led to the corporation's withdrawal. They say they want to negotiate more, but what's there to discuss?
We keep seeing evidence that GE foods are not what corporations claim to be. Weeds become resistant to herbicides, rendering whatever genetic modifications to the crops useless. Rice producers have lost financially due to GE rice. Farmers, the agricultural sector lost millions because of contaminated GE rice.
And then there are unwanted side effects from GE crops.Crops become more susceptible to heat, to insects and sometimes altogether fail to yield as promised. Now what farmer would want crop losses?
This seems clear to me that GE crops are not what they seem. In fact, they're more troublesome. Have genetically modified crops truly poses risks, not just to our environment, but also to our communities & our well-being.
So what's the solution? Ecological farming. In a day and age where the agricultural industry is noted as a culprit to issues like climate change and environmental degradation, this is one way of farming that may help farming save face.
We would be giving back the reins to small-scale farmers. Through an organic way of farming, agriculture without dependency on chemicals, these small farmers would have the opportunity to produce food without corporate control. At the same time, they'd be helping our climate. Yes, this also happens to be a climate change solution. Ecological farming means lesser greenhouse gas emissions because it doesn't rely on industrial practices, heavy machinery and chemicals that degrade the environment.
Ecological farming shows us a sustainable approach that is not just environmentally-friendly, it's an altogether humanitarian action as well.
Ecological farming produces more food per hectare. Thirty percent more. I'm no scientist, but I know that 30% will go a long way in making a difference when it comes to world hunger or poverty in developing countries like my own, the Philippines. It ensures food security and gives access to communities where food is needed the most. It's even more profitable for producers, as seen in Europe, Asia & America. Who wouldn't want a solution that not only helps the environment, but also provides us with a fair chance at eradicating hunger & poverty?
I say we take this solution. Let's support it in our communities, push for it in government policies and even try it out for ourselves in our backyards.
The majority of the world's food production is already being supplied by 2.6 billion small-scale farmers, why not let them lead us into a sustainable future?
- Marian Ledesma
So that ends my piece on battling GE. Read more about what happened in Brazil here.
Photos from Greenpeace