GMOs topic of discussion at Northeastern Organic Farmers Association of New York’s winter conference

GMOs topic of discussion at Northeastern Organic Farmers Association of New York’s winter conference

Saturday afternoon at the Northeastern Organic Farm Association of New York’s winter conference Dave Rogers and Dr. Michael Hansen kicked off their session on the importance of labeling genetically modified organisms by asking the audience members to play the devil’s advocate and argue in favor of genetically engineered (GE) crops.

The two men came prepared. They presented research showing that GMOs do not yield more than a natural crop, there is no successful climate or drought-ready crops and that, over time, GMOs actually need more pesticides than non-GE crops.

“What people should know is that there are these questions and uncertainties pertaining to risks. These genetically engineered substances are in 75 percent of the processed foods in the supermarket and in some of the fresh produce as well,” Rogers said, “It’s a system that is built on legal protection and control of the market place and it shuts down other lines of inquiry and research that could be very beneficial.”

Hansen has been working on getting the GE food bill, requiring manufacturers to label GMOs through legislation for the last 27 years.

From the Margins to the Mainstream: Advancing Organic Agriculture in the U.S. The National Organic Action Plan

From the Margins to the Mainstream: Advancing Organic Agriculture in the U.S. The National Organic Action Plan from RAFI-USA

January 2010. The National Organic Action Plan (NOAP) articulates a vision for the future of organic food and agriculture in the United States. It engages collaborators from across the organic community. NOAP sets out a broad set of goals to guide organic agriculture in the United States over the next ten years.