Friday, September 26, 2014

Buy Non GMO Seeds Online

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By Karina Frost


Gardeners like to see natural forces at work. They like working the soil, adding good things to it, and watching green shoots pop up. Many practice organic gardening methods, producing good food untainted with pesticides or herbicides. They hope to cope with harmful insects and plant diseases without harming beneficial insects and soil organisms. These organic gardeners will be happy to know they can buy non GMO seeds online.

Many people don't know much about genetic modification of crops. In fact, relatively little research has been done; the planet is being used as a laboratory. Altering the DNA of a cell to create something never before seen in nature might be harmless; then again, it might not. When DNA, which contains information that controls reproduction, is altered, the organism cannot reproduce. This may be a blessing, since no one really knows what successive generations of GMOs would be like.

A lot of publicity about genetically-modified crops says that greater yields are possible with this technology and indeed are the main goal. However, those who oppose the contamination of the environment with non-natural organisms believe the real goal is making money. For example, modified soybeans can withstand a much greater herbicide application. Not only do the large companies make money from the sale of altered seeds, they also profit from higher sales of pesticides.

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.

America is one of the few places that has embraced GMO technology. The European Common Market has banned it, as well as the use of systemic pesticides which become part of the plant they are applied to. Although the research is not 'definitive' as yet, Europe has seen a return of healthy bee populations. A word to the wise: check what you spray on your roses if you want butterflies in your garden.

Concerned consumers should support the small operations that sell heirloom or organic seed that is not altered. Since GMOs are patented products, most catalog-sale companies don't market modified seed either. However, unless there is an organic label or heirloom guarantee, consumers must ask before assuming anything. Ask customer service before buying.

Another reason to use natural seed is that you may want to save seed from this year's crop for next year's planting. GMO seed does not reproduce; in other words, any saved seed will be worthless. This, of course, gives great control over the food supply to those who sell altered seed. It also means that you won't have any of those neat little volunteer plants that many gardeners love.

Under present guidelines, seed labeled 'organic' will not be modified. Heirloom seed and plants are also unaltered. It behooves all who value purity to guard heirloom varieties carefully and pay attention to attempts to change regulations.




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