[Editor’s note: Andrew Campbell is a dairy and crop farmer near London, Ont.]
Our corn and soybeans are mostly genetically engineered (or genetically modified, GM). If I didn’t use those, I’d need to till my soil or spray more often in order to control weeds.
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So where do the concerns come from?
Certainly not from the science community or government regulators, who have shown repeatedly that GM crops are as safe as all others and that registered pesticides (including organic), when used as directed, represent minute risks compared to benefits.
Usually those concerns trace back to companies trying to sell alternatives. Just Label It is sponsored by Whole Foods, Stoneyfield Organics and others like it. Non-GMO Project Verified was started by two ‘natural food’ stores.
They’re building their businesses trying to portray me and my family as bad guys – for simply doing what’s best for our farm, community, family and customers.
So does it get me upset when I see a claim that defies what’s proven to be safe and effective? It’s a gut punch to this family farmer and thousands like me.
Today’s food system is not perfect. That’s why we work to make it better through dozens of farm and agricultural initiatives. But how we did it 50 years ago isn’t better.
I hope you’re proud of what you do for a living and your impact. As a farmer, I am.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Attacks against GMOs? Why this farmer takes it personally