October is Non-GMO Month. So, you might ask, what are GMOs?
Genetically Modified Organisms, called GMOs, are plants or animals with cells that scientists have altered genetically. They do this by inserting a gene from one organism into another similar organism—or between non-related species. The idea is to develop new plants or animals with specific desired traits and then grow them as food.
While GMO proponents say their goal is to increase nutritional benefits or productivity, the two main traits that have been added to date are herbicide tolerance and the ability of the plant to produce its own pesticide. These results have no health benefits, only economic benefits to the companies that produce them, at the cost of significant negative consequences.
Genetic modification produces results that otherwise would not appear in nature. Down to Earth is opposed to the development of products containing GMOs because we believe they may pose health, safety, and other potential risks that far outweigh the purported benefits.
Down to Earth’s Long-Term Goal is to be: All-Organic & GMO-Free
As we move towards our long-term goal to be all-organic and GMO-free, we give priority to organic and Non-GMO Project Verified products in our purchasing decisions, and are gradually eliminating products that contain GMOs. Unfortunately, we are unaware of any grocery store in the USA that can claim to be GMO-free, though we are hopeful that one day, many stores, including Down to Earth, will be GMO-free. Toward this end, we:
- Avoid purchasing any new food products that may contain GMOs
- Do not sell single ingredient GMO foods (including papaya, corn, soy, canola or sugar produced from GMO sugar beets)
- Encourage our suppliers to become Non-GMO Project Verified
- Actively support organic and sustainable farming methods
- Advocate for the consumer’s “right-to-know,” including labeling of products that contain GMOs
- Educate and communicate about the economic, social, health, and environmental impacts of GMOs
For information about GMOs and your right to know whether food you are buying contains GMOs visit the Label GMOs page of the Down to Earth website.