(Our Society president, Duncan Allison, continues his informative series on news and issues in agriculture.)
Labeling of Genetically Engineered Food (GMOs) – The science is absolutely clear. “There is absolutely no science-based reason to single out GE foods and feeds for process-based labeling”. Way back in 1994 when the first genetically engineered product hit the market labeling was not and has not been required as FDA found and has since confirmed that the 146 transgenic gene/crop combinations they have evaluated “are equivalent to their conventional counterpoints.” (CAST) A huge body of work carried out in independent labs around the world over the succeeding years has also confirmed that “there are no detrimental effects from the consumption of currently available biotech crops.” (CAST) The American Association for the Advancement of Science states that GE crops are “the most extensively tested crops ever added to our food supply.” “The U.S. Congress has so far rebuffed attempts at mandatory national labeling in part because every major science organization in the world, citing hundreds of independent studies, from the World Health Organization to the German Academy of Sciences, with many overseen by the European Union, have issued statements reassuring the public about the safety of GM foods and the independence of the global food supply.” (Entine) Unfortunately environmental organizations and the vocal organic lobby have demonized GE crops in the hope that consumers will purchase the usually more expensive but no more safe or healthy organic food items which cannot contain any GE crop components. “If we have it labeled, then we can organize people not to buy it”, notes Andrew Kimbrell, head of the Center for Food Safety. “GM foods must be banned entirely, but labeling is the most efficient way to achieve this”, says Joseph Mercola, a wildly popular web based natural products entrepreneur whose income depends on selling alternative health products.”( Jon Entine | August 26, 2014 | Genetic Literacy Project). Many states in the US are considering and debating mandatory labeling but at present only Alaska for fish and Vermont (with conditions that nearby states must agree to do the same) are requiring labeling. I can do no better than the conclusions of the April 2014 CAST issue paper which stated “There is no science-based reason to single out GE foods and feeds for mandatory labeling.” “Mandatory labeling will increase food costs.” CAST Report #54 April 2014
At our local County Farm Bureau Picnic recently we had the pleasure of the company of the reigning Chester County Dairy Princess. She told us she talks to different consumer groups and there are always concerns about antibiotics and animal welfare. She makes it clear that dairy farmers only treat with antibiotics for cow health reasons and do not want their milk to be refused as all milk is tested. They also know that “happy cows” are good yielders so cow comfort, good bedding, plenty of feed and clean water are critical. We know this but consumers are so far removed from food production that they readily accept the media items that pick up the occasional malpractice and consider it to be normal. Cover crops – Research is showing that cover crops not only protect the soil but help to build up soil structure and even suppress weeds. 100% green all the time is the aim of one PA farmer who tries to ensure that soil is covered by green crops all the time. This ensures the build-up of organic matter and optimal soil structure. Cover crops consist of a mixture of cereals, broadleaf and leguminous crops. Another farmer has developed a special roller and seeder that allow seed drilling of the following crop to take place at the same time as clearing the drill rows and flattening the cover crop. A recent PSU Field Day confirmed the strong interest in cover crops and the greater understanding of their value. Soybeans have been outpacing corn and wheat – Soybeans originated in China and were first introduced into the American Colonies in 1765 as “Chinese vetches”. Interestingly early authors mentioned that soybeans appeared to be well adapted to Pennsyl vania soil. World soybean consumption has been growing at 3.9% a year to provide nearly 69% of all protein sources used in livestock feed and the oil for a multitude of food uses. Perdue is hoping to construct a soybean processing plant in northern PA and DuPont Pioneer is investing $35 million in a Soybean Research Facility at their Stine, Delaware site. Soybeans are considered critical to meet the challenge of feeding a global population that demands more livestock products. A record crop is expected this year in the US – 84.8 million acres up 11% over last year from the base of only 1.8 million acres in 1924.