Genetic Modification refers to the process of taking a gene from one species and introducing it into the DNA of another species in order to have that second species exhibit a desired physical trait.

Here are some "objective" things to consider regarding the issue of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's).

•No one really understands the outcome of releasing GMO's into our environment. Witness two cases:
1. A Bt gene was introduced into the genome of potatoes because this gene creates a resistance against the Colorado beetle, a pest. The GMO potato was approved for release but just prior to release they discovered that it actually also turned off another gene responsible for resisting another equally important pest.
2. Monarch butterfly larvae have been poisoned by the Bt gene introduced to corn.

•No long term studies of the effect of GMO's have been done. Frankly, noone has any idea how to even begin such a study.

•Once a genetically modified organism is released it can't be controlled.

•GMO foods poise a risk for consumers - heightened allergenic & sensitivity response because of foreign proteins introduced into their diet. Attempts to introduce genes from a Brazilian nut into soybeans were curtailed when it was realized that this was transferring their allergenic response.

•GMO foods may render some critical antibiotics useless by creating a strain of superbugs.

•90% of GMO seeds are created to resist more pesticides - i.e. the farmer can now purchase and use more pesticides without killing the plant. This means your food will receive greater doses of spraying.

•The government of Canada is responsible for licencing the use of new GMO's. They do no independent testing. They rely exclusively on the evidence provided by the company proposing the GMO. Clinical trials are not required.

•The government of Canada also subsidizes the research going into GMO's. In 1999 that amounted to more than 314 Million - Statscan (1999)Catalogue 88-001 XIB/ISSN1209-1278, Vol.22. That makes objectivity hard!

•Monsanto, DuPont, Navartis and Dow stand to benefit from the technology more than anyone else. They are able now to take out patents on food sources. They create plants that require and enable heavy spraying of pesticides that they turn around and sell themselves.

•The British Medical Association has issued a statement that GMO's could have a serious impact on our health.

So you be the jury!

Chris Matthews
CEO Hallelujah Organics/Owner