Genetic Engineering

What's wrong with genetic engineering?

The products of genetic engineering are living organisms that could never have evolved naturally and do not have a natural habitat.

These genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can spread and interbreed with natural organisms, thereby contaminating non 'GE' environments and future generations in an unforeseeable and uncontrollable way. This 'genetic pollution' is a major threat because GMOs cannot be recalled once released into the environment.

Because of commercial interests, the public is being denied the right to know about GE ingredients, thereby losing the right to avoid them despite labelling laws in certain countries.

Threats of genetic engineering

Crop genetic diversity is critical to the continuing development of varieties resistant to new pests, diseases, and changing climatic and environmental conditions. In this way, diversity is essential for global food security. The lack of genetic diversity, in fact, can be linked to many of the major crop epidemics in human history. Biological diversity must be protected and respected.

If threatening biodiversity wasn't enough, the biotech giants make farmers pay for the privilege of using these human-made organisms. Farmers in North America and Latin America, where most of the world's GE agriculture is, must sign a contract that specifies that if they save the seeds to plant again the following year or use any herbicide other than the corporation's own, they are likely to be prosecuted.

We oppose all patents on plants, animals and humans, as well as patents on their genes. Life is not an industrial commodity.

Bans and labeling:

We advocate immediate interim measures such as labeling of GE ingredients, and the segregation of genetically engineered crops and seeds from conventional ones. 

In Spring 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that labeling of GE foods would remain voluntary, even though there is no indication that any company will voluntarily label genetically engineered foods. Meanwhile, the FDA seems poised to make it as difficult as possible for companies who have eliminated GE ingredients to add "NON-GE" labels. These responsible companies will face burdensome regulations, while the FDA lets other companies continue to use GE ingredients in secret.

The United States may soon be the only country in the world that does not require labeling of genetically engineered food.