Our GMO Position
Genetically engineered organisms, commonly referred to as "Genetically Modified Organism or GMOs, ultimately exist to create profit for their owners. It is our personal feeling that the risks of using these altered varieties far outweigh the marketed benefits.
We have vowed to protect and promote open-pollinated and heirloom seeds and are one of the early signers of "The Safe Seed Pledge" started in 1999.
The Safe Seed Pledge
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundations as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities."
You will note the Council for Responsible Genetics use of the word "knowingly" in the pledge above. This is because it is a pledge, a promise, and not an absolute legal guarantee. Because we cannot control nature, there is always the possibility of genetic drift. Thanks to the large multi-national corporations, this threat exists in your backyard, mine and now even into the farthest reaches of the world. Since testing is both cost prohibitive, as well as imperfect and often inconclusive, we therefore state that we will not be held legally responsible if any of our seed tests positive for genetically modified organisms.
That said, we do have control over where our seed comes from so we can reduce the likelihood of this threat. And to date, we have not had a problem. We are sorry for having to waste the space here to spell this out, but sadly, this is the world in which we live.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE SAFE SEED INITIATIVE
If you would like to support the Safe Seed Initiative, you can make tax-deductible donations to the Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG). The Council for Responsible Genetics was founded in 1983, and is comprised of scientists, lawyers, public health advocates and citizens concerned about the social, ethical and environmental impact of new genetic technologies. For more information please contact their office:
Council for Responsible Genetics
5 Upland Rd, Suite 3 Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 868-0870 Fax: (617) 491-5344
Email: crg@gene-watch.org
"Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundations as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities."
You will note the Council for Responsible Genetics use of the word "knowingly" in the pledge above. This is because it is a pledge, a promise, and not an absolute legal guarantee. Because we cannot control nature, there is always the possibility of genetic drift. Thanks to the large multi-national corporations, this threat exists in your backyard, mine and now even into the farthest reaches of the world. Since testing is both cost prohibitive, as well as imperfect and often inconclusive, we therefore state that we will not be held legally responsible if any of our seed tests positive for genetically modified organisms.
That said, we do have control over where our seed comes from so we can reduce the likelihood of this threat. And to date, we have not had a problem. We are sorry for having to waste the space here to spell this out, but sadly, this is the world in which we live.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE SAFE SEED INITIATIVE
If you would like to support the Safe Seed Initiative, you can make tax-deductible donations to the Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG). The Council for Responsible Genetics was founded in 1983, and is comprised of scientists, lawyers, public health advocates and citizens concerned about the social, ethical and environmental impact of new genetic technologies. For more information please contact their office:
Council for Responsible Genetics
5 Upland Rd, Suite 3 Cambridge, MA 02140
Phone: (617) 868-0870 Fax: (617) 491-5344
Email: crg@gene-watch.org