Earth Day Tip 7

Events - Earth Day

SAY NO to GM CROPS The US has just added another GM crop, alfalfa, for unrestricted farming throughout the States.  Biotech companies claim that GM crops will significantly increase food production. However, independent studies show very little, if any, increase in production when compared with conventional/organic crops.

 

GM crops are developed either to tolerate herbicides (which has led to a significant increase in the use of herbicides) or imprinted with a toxin that kills off pests that feed on the crop. However, concerns are mounting regarding the effect on human health, the cross contamination with crops grown in the vicinity, contamination of the ecosystem, and adverse effects on beneficial insects.

 

GM would concentrate the world’s food supply in the hands of only 5 biotech companies, with Monsanto, owning 90% of the business.

 

Useful websites: www.farm.org.uk www.foe.org.uk www.foodnews.org