Do you know what's in your rice?
©iStockphoto.com/Rob Belknap[/i]
When the world's largest rice producer and consumer of rice approves a "locally-developed strain of genetically-modified rice," thus paving the way for large-scale production in 2 to 3 years, it's news. Big news. Despite the stories that we often hear, from all across the globe, about individuals are making greener, smarter, choices about organic farming and locally grown sustenance, there are still some nebulous, often nefarious practices going on.
In the latest global wake-up call, the most populous nation on the planet (China's annual per capita consumption of rice is 200 to 400 pounds) announces its intention to genetically modify the food that currently feeds about half of the world's human population.
WATCH VIDEO: Organic A to Z: R is for Rice
We can each make important daily choices, but it can discouraging when we witness how the power of governments and corporations can obscure our greenness in one fell swoop. The answer, as always, is more solidarity, more education, and much more sustained action.
GMO Crops Have Not Proven Safe
So what's the problem here? As Greenpeace clarifies: "Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can spread through nature and interbreed with natural organisms, thereby contaminating non 'GE' environments and future generations in an unforeseeable and uncontrollable way. Their release is 'genetic pollution' and 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 in the food chain, and therefore losing the right to avoid them despite the presence of labeling laws in certain countries. Biological diversity must be protected and respected as the global heritage of humankind, and one of our world's fundamental keys to survival."
GMO Crops Will Not Feed the Poor
A 2008 Friends of the Earth report called "Who Benefits From GM Crops" details: "The majority of GM crops are not destined for hungry people in developing countries, but are used to feed animals, generate biofuels, and produce highly processed food products--mainly for consumption in rich countries. GM crops have not increased food security for the world's poor. None of the GM crops on the market are modified for increased yield potential and research continues to focus on new pesticide-promoting varieties that tolerate application of one or more herbicides."
