Jeff Owens wrote:
snip...
>
> >I believe GE should have its place in our overall food production
> >strategy, just as small organic farms should, and permaculture farms
> >should, and backyard OP/seed-saver gardens should.
>
> Today GE is controlled by a handful of corporations which keep
> buying up smaller companies. Their goals appear to be domination
> of this technology and food systems. I don't see it fitting with
> seed savers, organic methods, and i don't see much useful for
> PC in the way they view the future.
Im not following you here. Why couldn't GE and organic/permaculture farms
co-exist as separate distinct entities, each contributing to the bigger pie of
food production? What would prevent us from trying to establish guidelines such
as: (just for discussion, I'll make up some numbers) We decided, for example,
33% of our food production was done by hi-tech, efficient, GE modified,
agribusiness, factory farms. (I know, yuck) And 33% was done by smaller organic
farms. (Coolness) And 33% done by permaculture farms. (Awesome baby!)
Don't let my make believe numbers get in your way. The suggestion is we should
be thinking about a plan with built in incentives- over a long period of time,
say 100 years, how food production in this country will evolve, using what
technologies (if any) and methodology. It's called *vision*, which the farm
economy has been sorely lacking for a long time.
Maybe after a ton of research, analysis and educated decision making, and
advances in organics + permaculture, the percentage use of GE crop can one day
drop off the map completely. As long as we collectively decide when and how GE
is applied, I am not afraid of it one iota. If mega-corporations (continue to)
move towards complete control of the food supply decisions, then I see where
problems will arise. The tail wagging the dog, so to speak.
more snipped...
> >I would think a better approach to the subject is "how can we use
> >this tool to best achieve long term sustainability", not chuck the
> >tool because it can't fix everything.
>
> That is a good question which needs an answer. Might be difficult
> given the current state of GE. Most of the products developed
> have little to do with sustainability.
Of course, the products developed were done so primarily in order to make
profit. But when they also (e.g. roundup ready soybeans) eliminate the
production and application of thousand of gallons of deadly pesticides, doesn't
that contribute towards sustainability, just a teeny bit now?
>
> Another question might be: Do we need GE technology to sustainability
> feed the world? If we have the knowledge necessary to feed
> the world sustainability, then why aren't we doing it? Answering
> these questions might uncover deeper issues.
I would say, at least temporarily given existing population pressures, yes we
do need GE to sustainably feed the world. Regardless of my amateur opinions,
these are great questions that need asking.
>
> Or we might ask... will GE make sustainability more difficult
> at some future point? The way it is currently going has
> convinced a lot of people that it will work against
> sustainability.
A very valid concern. Once we might allow or embrace GE crops, could it be
difficult or impossible to wean ourselves off it again at some point in the
future??? Like an addictive drug almost. Again we (collectively) need to
control the implementation GE, not the other way around. See, "tail wagging the
dog" comment above.
>
> Another big issue here is the precautionary principle which
> says we should not introduce new technology without looking
> at the long term consequences. Already problems have occurred
> with GE technology which indicates we need to be careful.
I agree again, long term consequence are not yet completely understood, to my
satisfaction either. Bt corn reportedly produces pollen that can kill Monarch
butterflies, according the the Union of Concerned Scientists. Did you hear that
one?
Thats enough for now. Lots of good questions Jeff, as usual. Too bad the
answers don't come as easily.
Boy we are sure good at asking question, anyways ;-)
Greg
