Why To Buy Non GMO Seeds Online

By Karina Frost


Gardeners above all others love nature. Seeds that go into the ground sprout and grow like individual miracles. Especially when organic gardening techniques are used, all life around a vegetable plot will flourish (except things like squash bugs or tomato worms). Especially for those who value natural goodness and purity, it's nice to buy non GMO seeds online.

Many people don't know much about genetic modification of crops. In fact, relatively little research has been done; the planet is being used as a laboratory. Altering the DNA of a cell to create something never before seen in nature might be harmless; then again, it might not. When DNA, which contains information that controls reproduction, is altered, the organism cannot reproduce. This may be a blessing, since no one really knows what successive generations of GMOs would be like.

The goal is stated as increasing crop yields to feed a growing world population. However, many see a money motive behind the push for GMOs. Take modified soybeans, for instance. They can grow with a formerly lethal application of Roundup. The company that produces the seed makes money, and the herbicide manufacturer sells more of its product. The cost to the environment and the consumer is unknown.

It's ironic that the environmentalists are so silent on the subject of genetic modification. After all, the 'save-the-planet' movement started with the realization that DDT and other pesticides and herbicides were harming our air, soil, and water. Birds and other wildlife were dying as mankind attempted to make farming less labor-intensive and swampy areas full of mosquitoes fit for habitation.

One could conclude from their silence that the companies that manufacture altered seeds and chemicals used in farming are large donors. Americans should pay attention to the European attitude to genetically-modified foods. Europeans are pretty much opposed to the whole idea. Another problem is the use of systemic pesticides, which become part of the plant they protect. Since countries in the European Common Market have banned their use, the bees have returned to sustainable populations.

It's important for home gardeners to support companies that market natural seeds and plants. Many of these are small operations or family-farm enterprises, but some large catalog-sales companies offer only natural products. All you have to do is ask customer service to get this information.

If you want to save seed from this year's crop for next season's planting, you can't sow GMOs now. The fact that such seed must be purchased new every year is another red flag for consumers. Think of the control this gives the patent holder over the world's food supply. In addition, you won't get any volunteer plants from GMOs - in theory, anyway. There are usually some weird-looking approximations of the parent plants sprouting in fields that were sown with modified seed.

Under present guidelines, seed labeled 'organic' will not be modified. Heirloom seed and plants are also unaltered. It behooves all who value purity to guard heirloom varieties carefully and pay attention to attempts to change regulations.




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