GMOs
I have decided that
researching seed saving is going to be an important step in moving towards 100%
sustainability. Last week I came across
a headline in a newsfeed, “'Monsanto Protection Act’ Slips Silently throughUS Congress” and it seemed all too apropos to pass up the opportunity to touch
on the enormous topic, a new dirty word-phrase:
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs).
GMOs have had their genetic
material altered through biotechnology.
This includes all organisms; for this article, I wish to address
organisms people consume as food. In
laboratories, hybrids are created to be disease-resistant, drought-resistant
and resistant to pests. Hybrids are also
created that contain no seeds, making it impossible to reproduce. The antithesis of GMO is heritage breeds,
heritage seeds: their genetic make-up is
as Nature created through evolution. People
have been creating hybrids for centuries, so why is the Farmer Assurance
Provision in H.R. 933 so controversial?
Please take a few moments to
try to research this topic for yourself.
GMOs have been accused of causing cancer, causing infertility in
livestock, and threatening our planet’s bee population. The one paragraph “biotech rider” to the
Agricultural Appropriations Bill is described as protection for farmers. Also described as one long sentence, farmers
who planted GMO crops that the USDA may find to be dangerous will be allowed to
harvest and sell those crops. I am
paraphrasing from sources NPR, rt.com/usa, nongmoproject.org and from
Monsanto.com. Our very own Jon Tester is
one of the few speaking out against the “backroom deal” and arming ourselves
with knowledge is the best way to tackle this controversial topic.
I have read that at some
point in the near future, all food on the planet will be genetically modified. Even if farmers want to grow non-GMO crops,
cross-pollination makes it nearly impossible.
Pollen can travel on wind currents up to 200 miles. If you wanted to have a 100% non-GMO diet,
how can you be sure that your livestock are being fed non-GMO feed? Organic does not equal non-GMO. Only products that are labeled as non-GMO are
non-GMO (nongmoproject.com has a list of non-GMO products). If you are able to find non-GMO seeds and
breeds, raise non-GMO, and eat non-GMO protect that knowledge…mega corporations
have the resources to not only sneak “protection from litigation” through
Congress, but also to come after the “little guy” who they feel may be
threatening their mission.
So support your local
Farmer’s Markets. Those products will be
furthest removed from Monsanto and the like.
Please do your own research.
Support your local apiaries and buy local honey. Put good food in your body. Thanks for reading.
Share at www.sustainablysadie.blogspot.com.
Twin Bits
The next TBCA meeting will be
Friday April 12 at 8:30 am at The Old Hotel.
Election of Board of Directors will be held that day. Vote in person or by proxy. Nominations:
Jack Leber for Chair, Heather Puckett for Treasurer, Pat Bradley for
Secretary. At this time the Vice Chair
position is still vacant; the TBCA can operate without a Vice Chair but it is
helpful to the organization to have the support of a Vice Chair. There is room for Write-In nominations. Paula Kinoshita, out-going Chair, is taking
comments and suggestions until the April 12th meeting at oldhotel@3rivers.net. The civic organization is also looking to
change the meeting time—on the floor is the suggestion of moving meetings to
Wednesdays at Noon. Pass on your ideas
and volunteer by contacting Jack Leber at jack.leber@prumt.com.
The Buy Local Business Expo
will be held at the fairgrounds on 4 May 9 am to 2 pm. There are still a few vendor spaces available
for Ruby Valley businesses. Call BoB Reimard at 842-7900 to reserve a
space.
Jackson’s Garden will host an afternoon of discussion about gardening
with a panel of local gardening experts at their annual Spring Fling, Sunday
April 7th at 2:00 pm at Bethany Hall in Sheridan.
Mike Morgan will
talk about composting; Sarris Marsh, owner of Marsh’s Mountain Greenhouse in Sheridan will talk about
seed germination and container planting; Linda Day will describe how to start a
lasagna garden; Debbie Rogers will explain how to extend your growing season
with walls of water and how to protect your garden from herbicide contaminated
manure. Paulette Hardy will discuss various ways of mulching vegetable and
flower beds and will answer general gardening questions. Plans for this
year’s growing season at the Garden will be discussed as well as adult education,
such as canning work shops, the Kids Club and opportunities for volunteers at
the Garden. Afternoon tea will be served and everyone is invited to this
free event. For more information, contact Carla at 842-7956 or Linda at 842-
5678. For more information about Jackson’s
Garden visit our website at jacksonsgarden.org
From TBS Calendar:
Sat April 6: State FFA Convention @ Billings; Track Meet
Thurs April 11: Senior Citizens Spring Dinner, 11 am;
Pre-Festival Concert 7 pm; VFW mtg @ MT Room, 7:30 pm
Mon April 15: Trailblazers 4-H mtg @ Lunchroom, 7 pm
Tues April 16: Reg. School
Board mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm
Wed April 17: Big Hole Watershed mtg @ MT Room, 7 pm
April 19-20: District Music Festival @ Deer Lodge
Mon April 22: No School, Spring Break
April 21- 28: Close-Up Trip to Washington D.C.
Tues April 30: Nat’l Honor Society Induction/ Banquet, 6 pm
I am here to promote
activities and events in the Ruby
Valley. Please contact me at
sustainablysadie@hotmail.com, call me at 684-5222 or snail mail: P.O. Box 491, 59754
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