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Genetic Engineering - A Threat to Permaculture
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)
Genetic engineering involves taking genes from one species and inserting them into another in an attempt to transfer a desired trait or character. For example, selecting a gene which leads to the production of a chemical with antifreeze properties from an arctic fish (such as the flounder) and splicing it into a tomato or strawberry to make it frost-resistant. It is now possible for plants to be engineered with genes taken from bacteria, viruses, insects, animals or even humans. (Luke Anderson, Genetic Engineering, Food and our Environment)
Risks of GMOs
Any damage caused by releasing GMOs into the environment is likely to be irreversible.
GMOs are inherently unstable
GMOs are unpredictable
GMOs could cause genetic pollution if foreign genes transfer to related plants
GMOs could have a devastating effect on native flora and fauna
GMOs threaten the future of all forms of organic farming
There is already evidence that GMOs pose health risks in terms of allergies, causing resistance to antibiotics, and the increase of
toxins in food.
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Seed Saving - Absolutely critical.