What is the big deal with genetically modified food (GMOs)? Science is trying to solve hunger, so we are told, but as usual the story on the ground is much different than we perceive. The men in white coats are being paid to research in the interest of companies like Monsanto, the world’s largest seller of genetically modified seed and pesticides. What that means is that the bottom line is more important than the storyline they sell about increased yields.
I have always had an aversion to genetically modified food because it sounds unnatural. I didn’t like the idea that someone was manipulating nature. There are certain lines that we should not cross, and this seemed like one for me. But that doesn’t mean I’ve never eaten it. There is much more GMO soy in the U.S than non-GMO, and I’ve had my share of it. But now I know better, and refuse to support a system I think is not working.
I didn’t understand the subject in depth enough (until I began researching this piece from last winter) to argue with someone who saw increased productivity as a reason to go ahead – so that people who weren’t as privileged as I am in New York, where I can afford to eat a diverse diet, wouldn’t starve to death. Unfortunately, before further investigation of the subject, I was under the impression that we had little alternative to monocropping and scientific intervention to curb hunger.
Now, I think otherwise. The bottom line is education: we have forgotten the wisdom of our ancestors, who planted their own food and didn’t rely on giant companies to feed themselves. This is not just a poor person problem, its an everybody problem. I may have the ability to eat well, but I won’t be so lucky should our fertile soil blows away and food riots break out here in the U.S. It is necessary to reinvent how we think about the food system and force it to change.
I have been fortunate recently to interview some major food policy activists, and they’ve said the number one road block to big change is giant cooperations, in essence monopolies, acting without scrutiny by a president and congress completely beholden to special interests. Until we stop the force of lobbying at its roots, by demanding our leaders bust up the trusts, our voices will remain hard to hear over the din of money changing hands.
Upton Sinclair said “If is difficult to get a man to understand something when his salary depends upon his not understanding it.” Our leaders are being sponsored by special interests, so what should we expect?
Enjoy the report on Monsanto. It’s an interesting close look at the story of genetically modified food, and how it effects people’s lives.
Part 2
Part 3
