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DCL
Genetically modified organisms (GMOS) have long provided reason for concern. I wrote over at TreeHugger that large monocultures, which are typical of GMO, can be riddled with pests. As a result, monocultures are often dressed with a toxic cocktail of pesticides so that they can survive the onslaught. In addition, monocultures can deplete the nutrients in soil and lead to erosion. But the problems with GMO go way beyond freakishly round, tasteless tomatoes. Tracts of land planted with commercial seeds are pushing out local crop varieties and erasing the knowledge gained from 10,000 years of farming.
But whatever your perspective, the fact of the matter is that we should know when we're consuming modified crops. How can you make an informed decision about whether or not to purchase them if you don't know which foods are GMOs in the first place? Today, the NON GMO Project is working to change this problem. Since 2008 the NON GMO Project has been feverishly working to provide a labeling system for GMO foods.
The NON GMO Project
In Europe all products containing more than .9 percent GMO are labeled as such. But in the US, there is no such standard. The NON GMO Project scientifically tests all of the individual ingredients that make up a product using a third party testing facility. Products that have been certified are labeled with a NON GMO Project Verified label. This is a good thing because today nearly 70 percent of our processed foods have been genetically modified. By supporting the program you support producers who are committed to providing consumers with NON GMO foods. Many companies have already signed on to have their products tested and certified.
