Why We Really Just Can¹t Get Along

 The following is from chat-noir at alt. sustainable agriculture.

<http://civileats.com/2011/02/09/gmo-and-organic-co-existence-why-we-real
ly-just-cant-get-along/#more-10959>

headline:

GM and Organic Co-Existence: Why We Really Just Can¹t Get Along

February 9th, 2011  By Paula Crossfield

Last Friday, the USDA announced the partial deregulation of
genetically modified sugar beets, defying a court order to complete an
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in advance of a decision. This
move follows on the heels of the full deregulation late last month of
genetically modified (GM) alfalfa, the fourth most common row crop in
the United States, which is most often used as feed for cattle.

If you eat beef, or take milk and sugar in your coffee (and even if
you don¹t), here is why you should care: The move could put organic
foods at risk for contamination and make it more expensive.
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has attempted to stave off
further litigation and quell the mounting antagonism between farmers
growing GM seed and organic farmers by proposing ³co-existence²
between the two.

Part of Vilsack¹s plan for co-existence includes using buffers between
organic and GM fields and even placing geographic restrictions on the
growth of GM seeds. This is the first time such a discussion had been
broached by the USDA. New York University professor and food movement
leader Marion Nestle called the move a ³breakthrough,² and we also ran
an op-ed pushing for co-existence as the lesser of two evils here on
Civil Eats.

But Vilsack¹s co-existence plan seemed to put President Obama¹s pro-
business agenda at risk. In fact, David Axelrod put the kibosh on the
idea with a bad pun, encouraging ³everyone to Œplow forward¹ on a plan
for genetically produced alfalfa,² according to Maureen Dowd.

Monsanto, the company behind 95 percent of GM sugarbeet seed and all
of the GM alfalfa seed, had fought against the deal behind closed
doors.

Worries were expressed about our biotech credibility abroad should we
discuss any fallibility at home. But in a nod toward co-existence,
Monsanto spokesman Tom Helscher told the AP on Monday, ³Since the
advent of biotech crops, both biotech and organic production have
flourished. We have no reason to think that will not continue to be
the case.² What Monsanto execs don¹t mention publicly is that co-
existence is not possible, and as patent holders to the gene traits in
their GM seeds, they have the right to sue farmers whose fields become
contaminated by these traits. ... (cont)
--
- Billy
³When you give food to the poor, they call you a saint. When you ask why the
poor have no food, they call you a communist.²
-Archbishop Helder Camara
http://peace.mennolink.org/articles/israelpeacegroups.html
http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/opinion/2011/01/20111812130964689.html