Connecticut
Sierra Club Takes on Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs)
Why this is an
environmental issue. First we must define GMOs. GMOs, or "genetically modified organisms," are plants or
animals created using the technique of genetic engineering (GE). GE merges DNA from two or more different species,
creating combinations that don’t occur in nature. Corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, sugar beets,
Hawaiian papaya, and a small amount of zucchini and yellow squash have been
genetically engineered for human consumption.
It has been estimated that GMOs are in at least 80% of processed foods
in the United States. Used in
agriculture mainly to allow higher use of herbicides or to allow the plant to
create its own insecticide, current use of GMOs has failed to fulfill the
promise of increased yields, drought tolerance, enhanced nutrition, or
other benefit.
Environmental risks associated with GMOs. At least one major
environmental impact of genetic engineering has already reached critical
proportions: overuse of herbicide-tolerant GE crops has spurred an increase in
herbicide use and an epidemic of herbicide-resistant "superweeds,"
which leads to even more herbicide use. This widespread herbicide use has also
caused a huge decline in milkweed in the Midwest, an essential food for monarch butterflies, whose numbers are also
in decline. The long-term impacts of
GMOs are unknown, and once released into the environment they cannot be
recalled
Human
health consequences. Research has found that an
“inert” ingredient in a popular herbicide can kill human embryonic, placental,
and umbilical cord cells. In one study,
scientists found that even inert ingredients in the herbicide amplified the
toxic effect on human cells—even at concentrations much more diluted than those
used on farms and lawns. One specific inert
ingredient, polyethoxylated tallowamine, or POEA, was more deadly to human
embryonic, placental and umbilical cord cells than the herbicide itself – a
finding the researchers call “astonishing.”
“Moreover, the proprietary mixtures available on the market could cause
cell damage and even death [at the] residual levels” found on herbicide-treated
crops, such as soybeans, alfalfa and corn, or lawns and gardens. The research team suspects that this popular
herbicide might cause pregnancy problems by interfering with hormone production, possibly leading to abnormal fetal
development, low birth weights or miscarriages. Health consequences definitely
need more study. But these have been difficult as the companies holding the
patents on the seeds have not been willing to release them for research
purposes.
Why
You are Important. We cannot get there
without your help. We need you.
You can:
-Contact your state Representative and Senator and ask them, as a constituent, for their support
-Come to the public hearing and testify
-Submit short testimony as an email message
-Ask the Governor to support the billsAll of this is easy. We can show you how. But first you need to tell us you are interested. Send either of us a message and say you are onboard. We’ll show you how to do the rest. Your help is needed, welcomed, and necessary for this campaign to succeed. Contact the Connecticut Sierra GMO Committee - Peter McKnight and Marty Mador. We need help contacting legislators, writing letters to the editor, recruiting your friends, attending committee hearings and educating the public. Your presence is needed now!Legislative ChairMartin Mador, 203-281-4326 (h), 203-500-7245 (c)
Email him here
Food labels fail to disclose GMO content. Although
most Americans want to know if the food they’re purchasing contains GMOs, powerful
interests have continued to deny this information to the public. Prop 37, a
voter initiative to require labeling in California, failed by a small margin
after a $50 million industry campaign opposing it.
Our Advocacy
Partners. Sierra is working in
concert with a vigorous and energetic group of food advocates in the state including GMO Free CT (http://gmofreect.org/) and
NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association). We are also part of the community
of advocates in 37 states trying to pass labeling legislation. Since there is currently
little hope for federal legislation, our work is instead focused on the state
legislatures. The goal is to pass similar bills in several states requiring GMO
labeling of food for retail sale. This is not about regulation of agricultural
practices, and it is not about impacting local agriculture in any way. Further,
it is not about putting Connecticut agriculture at a disadvantage in any way.
The
Legislature. Bills requiring labeling
will be introduced in both the Public Health and Children’s committees, one for
labeling of foods for everyone, the
other targeting food for babies and children. They will be included on the
agendas for public hearings, and sometime after the hearing, the bills will be
voted on in committee. They may then go to other committees for consideration.
Finally, the bills will be voted on by the full House and Senate, then travel
to the Governor for his signature.
In
summary, the Connecticut Chapter of Sierra Club supports Food labeling for GMOs
because:
·
We believe Consumers have a right to know what’s in their food,
especially concerning products for which health and environmental concerns have
been raised, so they can make informed decisions about buying food for their
families.
·
Mandatory labeling will allow those consumers with specific
allergies or intolerances to identify and steer clear of food products that
cause them problems.
·
Surveys indicate that a majority of Americans support mandatory
labeling.
·
Over 60 countries have established either mandatory GMO labeling or
outright bans.
-Contact your state Representative and Senator and ask them, as a constituent, for their support
-Come to the public hearing and testify
-Submit short testimony as an email message
-Ask the Governor to support the billsAll of this is easy. We can show you how. But first you need to tell us you are interested. Send either of us a message and say you are onboard. We’ll show you how to do the rest. Your help is needed, welcomed, and necessary for this campaign to succeed. Contact the Connecticut Sierra GMO Committee - Peter McKnight and Marty Mador. We need help contacting legislators, writing letters to the editor, recruiting your friends, attending committee hearings and educating the public. Your presence is needed now!Legislative ChairMartin Mador, 203-281-4326 (h), 203-500-7245 (c)
Email him here
Peter McKnight: 203-257-6796 Email him here
http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering
Source: https://sites.google.com/site/sierratestsite/legislation
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