The more I learn about genetically modified crops and seeds, and about the companies producing them, the less I want to have to do with them. Widespread use of Roundup herbicide and “Roundup Ready” genetically modified crops is destined to have serious detrimental effects on biodiversity and the ecology. Human costs could be immense, and numerous deaths around the world, especially in India, have already been attributed to crop failures related to dependence on GMO crops. We owe it to our predecessors to preserve the abundant variety of food crops that sustained them so well in their time.
Monsanto, the world champion of GMO crops and producer of Roundup, successfully fought Proposition 37 in California which would have required GMO labelling. As a couple, Gwynn and I have decided to systematically avoid purchasing products from any of the Monsanto owned companies… not an easy task. Kashi, for example, is owned by Kellogg’s, which is owned by Monsanto, and half of their “natural” cereals contain genetically modified grains. And so it goes with Kraft, Heinz, Campbells, Pillsbury and dozens of others. Goodbye KD mac & cheese 
We are going to make an effort to use more locally grown produce, and to buy Canadian. The most effective way to fight a force like Monsanto is to stop patronising their companies. But the most effective way to do that is to grow our own food.
Stokes 2013 Gardening Guide seed catalogue just arrived in the mail. A little box on the back cover of the catalogue says, “GMO Free.” The FAQ page on their website also categorically states that they do not sell any GMO seeds. Yay! http://stokeseeds.com/home.aspx Heritage Harvest Seeds specialises in rare heritage seed varieties—over 600—and they have a catalogue that makes for most interesting reading. http://www.heritageharvestseed.com On the other hand, if you take a look at seed packets from your local garden or home building store, don’t be surprised to find patented seeds in them. If the labelling forbids collecting and saving seeds from your mature plants… that’s a clue! Follow the link to our Facebook page for lists of Monsanto companies, and don’t forget to share and like our page.
It’s November. Now is the time to study your catalogues, order your seeds, and be ready for a great growing season in 2013. Get growing!
I like what I see and endorse the idea that we need to be more responsible about our environment.
Keep up the good work.
This is a great article uncle Bob – I’m going to go order some catalogs…have to admit I find gardening daunting…but I’d like to get started…maybe this year I’ll figure out how to grow more than a mean batch of rhubarb and a small bean and tomato crop.
Update on Stokes. It seems that while Stokes does not sell GMO seeds, they are, nonetheless, owned by Monsanto. I guess Monsanto is stoked to profit from both sides of the coin like the oil companies who are investing profits in alternative energy development. Here is a list of GMO/non-GMO seed sources: http://beginner-preppers.tumblr.com/post/39003116361/a-complete-list-of-seed-companies-owned-by-monsanto.