Dear Editor,
Recent letters to the Eganville Leader about the Eganville Horticultural Society’s Information Session about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) in food and feed were very interesting and thought provoking.
I noticed the use of the word “Blasphemous” in the first letter about this meeting in reference to the speaker presenting information she had gathered from her personal studies. “Blasphemy” is defined as “the act of insulting or showing contempt or lack of reverence for God” and “irreverence towards something considered sacred or inviolable”
At least to that letter writer, the GMO and chemical way of agriculture would seem to be her religion. In Canada we do respect others’ religions and they are free to practice them in their personal lives. However, at the same time, I have noticed that most people get a bit upset and put off when someone tries to force their religion down someone else’s throat. In this case, “down their throat” is quite literal.
I know that many farmers across North America sincerely believe that GMOs are wonderful and that investing their money into this technology is a worthwhile endeavor. Since they believe this to be so, why don’t they actively promote it on all labels of all foods and feed that are sold to the public? If it’s so good, advertise it and allow consumers to make an informed choice. Why do they want to hide what they consider good?
Speaking of religion, I found it encouraging that the Ontario Provincial Council of the Catholic Women’s League of Canada in 2014 Resolved to “urge the federal government to amend the Food and Drugs Act to include the mandatory labeling for all Canadian and imported food and animal feed products that have been genetically modified and or contain genetically modified ingredients….”
I agree the speaker was wrong in stating “There have been no long-term studies on the effects of GMO’s” The truth is that there have been studies on the long term effects of GMO’s and they have shown health damage, as have studies on the health affects of RoundUp. Health Canada has promised to look into these French studies, studies which helped resolve the European Union to ban GMOs.
The beauty of science is that it is based on observable results of studies and experiments. The French study can be repeated anywhere by anyone. As Einstein pointed out about his Theory of Relativity: “it does not matter how many scientists prove me right, it only takes one scientist to prove me wrong, after all it is only a theory.” (paraphrased).
Health Canada accepted Monsanto’s word that GMOs and Roundup were safe for humans and livestock. Health Canada did not do its own long term testing before allowing them to be used in people’s food. The Ontario CWL resolution states “there is an emerging body of research relating GM foods with health and environmental effects…”
As I said above, there is one BIG amount of money invested in GMOs and related products, so this way of agriculture of putting poisons in the soil and on food, a practice that only began seriously 70 years ago, after World War 2, will likely not quickly change back to one that focuses on nourishing the soil.
I think the Eganville Horticultural Society is doing a great service by providing a forum for an open information session on this topic. While some say “In God We Trust” and others say “In Monsanto We Trust”, those who don’t know who to trust at least are able to get more information to make an informed choice.
To Your Health,
Robbie Anderman
Killaloe ON
