THE PROBLEM WITH GENETIC ENGINEERING
Ten reasons why all of us should be troubled about the rapid proliferation of genetically engineered foods:
1. SUPERBUGS
2. SUPERWEEDS
3. POLLEN DRIFT
...In Canada, Monsanto accused canola grower Percy Schmeiser of patent infringement after the company found genetically engineered Roundup Ready canola plants in Schmeiser's fields. Schmeiser claims he never planted any Monsanto seeds. After mediation efforts failed, Schmeiser filed a ten million dollar lawsuit against Monsanto, claiming libel, trespass, and contamination of his fields. The litigation continued until the case was decided in Canada's Supreme Court in May, 2004. Monsanto's patents were upheld but Schmeiser was not required to pay Monsanto. However, the issue of contamination continues for Schmeiser, according to his web site www.percyschmeiser.com.
4. HARM TO WILDLIFE
5. HARM TO SOIL
6. HUMAN HEALTH
7. HIDDEN ALLERGENS
8. RELIGIOUS AND MORAL CONSIDERATIONS
9. ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE
Genetic engineers use antibiotic marker genes to help them transfer genetic coding from one life form to another. Some scientists worry that this process could compound the already serious problem of antibiotic resistance in humans...
10. INDENTURED FARMERS
The results of 50 years of chemical-based "high-tech" agriculture have made clear that we must rethink the way we grow food. The answer lies in a return to sustainable, organic growing practices...
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