What’s the Big Deal about Corn?

This was a guest post we shared with a friend on her blog.  I'm posting here for you all to learn more about GMO VS. Non-GMO

Hey guys and gals!  Mary here from Mary’s Heirloom Seeds!  Today I’d like to separate the facts from fiction about Corn.

Strawberry Popcorn

First, What is a GMO? 

A GMO, or "genetically modified organisms," are plants or animals created through the gene splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This experimental technology merges DNA from different species, creating unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding.

The latest GMO Corn varieties have a built-in pesticide.  When a bug consumes the corn, it causes the bug’s stomach to burst. source  Is that really something you’d like to eat? 

Helpful link: What are Heirlooms, Hybrids & GMOs?

Myth: All Corn seed is GMO
Truth: 90% of commercially raised corn in the US is Genetically Modified.

Unless you purchase a VERY pricey license from Monsanto or a licensed distributor, it is very difficult to purchase GMO Corn Seed.

There is a distinct difference between a HYBRID and a GMO.

I’ve already explained about GMOs.  A Hybrid seed is seed produced by cross-pollinated plants. Hybrid seed production is predominant in agriculture and home gardening.

The benefits of hybrids can be a stronger or more disease-resistant plant.  The drawback of growing hybrids is that the seeds saved from the fruit or veggie may be sterile for future planting.

**I have recently learned about technology used to create some hybrids called Cell Fusion.  This is a somewhat controversial method and should be labelled GE due to the genetic manipulation that occurs.  More info coming soon.** 

Myth:  All Corn seed is contaminated with GMO 

Truth: SOME corn might be contaminated but not all.  There are those of us who offer heirloom, non-GMO corn that is Certified Organic and GMO-free.


From Protect the Integrity of Your Food,

FACT: Between 1903 and 1983, the world lost over 93% of all seed varieties.  Once they’re gone, we cannot get them back!  There are several reasons for this loss, they include: contamination, lack of seed saving and disease.

FACT: as far as we know (Monsanto isn't always up front with their "progress") there is no GMO Popcorn.  As of 2011, 40% of consumer available Sweet Corn was GMO.  That number has grown.  


Myth: Monsanto owns all of the heirloom seed companies. 

Truth: While Monsanto SELLS seeds (some hybrids and possibly organic varieties) and some of the major seed companies purchase from Monasanto and Syngenta…I can assure you that I have NOT been bought out by Monsanto.  There are those of us who are trying to make a difference one garden at a time. 


Myth: GMO Popcorn 

Truth: As of the date of publishing, there is currently NO GMO Popcorn available commercially for consumption.  IF you had a reaction after eating commercial/conventional microwave popcorn it might have something to do with the chemicals, GMO oils and preservatives used in microwave popcorn.

To put it simply, there are 3 types of corn
-Field/Flint Corn
-Sweet Corn
-Popping Corn


If you are concerned with the future of your food supply, I suggest that you consider growing your own organic food from organic seeds.

All of the information provided above is why I choose to Educate.  It is important to share factual info instead of the fear-mongering myths available.  As a healthy-foods advocate, heirloom seed grow and retailer, consumer and "real food" educator is is my belief that GMOs are dangerous and unhealthy.

Below are several varieties of Heirloom, Non-GMO Corn
 

Bloody Butcher Corn

 

Mexican Black Sweet Corn

 

Cherokee Long Ear Corn

 

Stowells Evergreen Sweet Corn

Hopi Blue Corn

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I Will NOT Be Censored!!!

Do I have your attention?  Good! 
Last night we had a semi-heated discussed on my PERSONAL facebook page.  I highlight personal because I also have a blog/business facebook page, which is a bit less controversial.  But hey, my personal fb acct is my business and my right to share controversial stuff if I so choose!

The topic was GMOs.  I shared a nurse/farm wife fb status of her tour of the Monsanto facility in Hawaii.  If you have followed me here for any length of time, you know that I am VERY anti-GMO and very outspoken about the harmful effects of pesticides on humans, animals and the plant.

Apparently, this person didn't like comments made by my friends or myself and took it upon herself to tell us all we needed "less organic cherrios and more Jesus."  She then proceeded to tell us all about the wonders of GMOs.

First, NO ONE is going to tell me what I can and cannot say.  I am very opinionated and have a whole lotta facts to back me up!
Second, if all it would take were a few bitch-slaps to GMO farmers to get them to stop poisoning us then I would be the FIRST person in line to start the slapping.

Monsanto and other giant chemical companies spend Millions of dollars every year to promote the benefits of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counter-parts.  They have hired full time bloggers, scientists and PR machines to convince people that it's okay to continue poisoning the earth while raking in the profits.

Let me also say this, it is not my job to judge.  I make an effort every day to eat healthy and GMO free and sometimes I still consume not-so-healthy foods.  Sometimes we go out for dinner or over to eat with family.  No way am I going to be rude and turn away food just because it isn't completely free of GMOs.
No one is perfect, especially not me.  All I can do it give it 110%.

That being said, it is my mission to EDUCATE every day and to everyone who will listen.  Below are just a few educational articles to help you understand about the potential dangers of GMOs and their toxic pesticide counterparts.

In the U.S., GMOs are in as much as 80% of conventional processed food.

High-Risk Crops (in commercial production; ingredients derived from these must be tested every time prior to use in Non-GMO Project Verified products (as of December 2011):

• Alfalfa (first planting 2011)
• Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop)
• Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately 988 acres)
• Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011)
• Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010)
• Zucchini and Yellow Summer Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

Common Ingredients Derived from GMO Risk Crops
Amino Acids, Aspartame, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Ascorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethanol, Flavorings (“natural” and “artificial”), High-Fructose Corn Syrup, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Lactic Acid, Maltodextrins, Molasses, Monosodium Glutamate, Sucrose, Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Xanthan Gum, Vitamins, Yeast Products. SOURCE
 
Food & Water Watch: Greenwashing Genetically Engineered Crops

90 Day Study on GMOs
Several convergent data appear to indicate liver and kidney problems as end points of GMO diet effects in the above-mentioned experiments. This was confirmed by our meta-analysis of all the in vivo studies published, which revealed that the kidneys were particularly affected, concentrating 43.5% of all disrupted parameters in males, whereas the liver was more specifically disrupted in females (30.8% of all disrupted parameters). 

GMOs are Killing Bees, Butterflies, Birds and...?

65 Health Risks of GM Foods

Monsanto's RoundUp Found in 75 of Air & Rain Samples

Toxic Pesticides from GM Food Crops found in Unborn Babies

From the Institute for Responsible Technology

New information in the updated report includes:

• A review that is claimed by pro-GMO lobbyists to show that 1,700 studies show GM foods are as safe in fact shows nothing of the sort. Instead many of the 1,700 studies cited show evidence of risk. The review also excludes or glosses over important scientific controversies over GMO safety issues. (p. 102)
• A review purportedly showing that GM foods are safe on the basis of long-term animal studies in fact shows evidence of risk and uses unscientific double standards to reach a conclusion that is not justified by the data. (p. 161)
• A laboratory study in human cells shows that very low levels of glyphosate (the main chemical ingredient of Roundup herbicide, which most GM crops are engineered to tolerate) mimicked the hormone estrogen and stimulated the growth of breast cancer cells. The level of glyphosate that had this effect was below the level allowed in drinking water in Europe and far below the level allowed in the USA. It was also below the level found in GM glyphosate-tolerant soy, which is imported into Europe for animal feed and human food. If confirmed in animal studies, this finding would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate. (p. 221)
• A rat feeding study led by Professor Gilles-Eric Séralini, which found toxic effects from a GM maize and tiny amounts of the Roundup herbicide it is grown with, was retracted by a journal editor for unscientific reasons. Yet the study is far stronger and more detailed than many industry studies that are accepted as proof of safety for GMOs. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had to reject the study in order to protect its own previous opinions on this and other GMOs, for reasons explained in the report. The findings of this study, if confirmed, would overturn regulatory assumptions of safe levels of glyphosate and Roundup. (pp. 94, 147)
• Claims that an EU-funded research project shows GMOs are safe are not evidence-based, since the project did not even test the safety of any commercialized GMOs. Some animal testing data gathered by the project actually reveal health risks from the GMOs tested. (p. 166)
• Claims that Europe is becoming a “museum” of farming because of its reluctance to embrace GM crops are shown to be nonsensical by research showing that Europe’s mostly non-GM agriculture out-yields the USA’s mostly GM agriculture with less pesticide use. Instead, it is the GM-adopting USA that is falling behind Europe in terms of productivity and sustainability. (pp. 232–233)
• Risks from an important new type of GMO that is designed to silence genes are not being properly assessed by regulators. (p. 78)
• Contrary to claims by GMO proponents, the real reason GM golden rice isn’t available has nothing to do with anti-GMO activists and everything to do with basic research and development problems. (p. 197)
• Conventional breeding continues to outstrip GM in delivering crops that yield well, resist disease, are nutritious, and tolerate drought and other types of extreme weather. (pp. 284, 318–321)
• Crop genetics are only part of the solution to our food and agriculture challenges. The other part is agroecological farming methods that build soil and focus on growing a diversity of naturally healthy and resilient crops. (p. 303)

Risks and Side Effects of Genetically Modified Foods

There is no Scientific Consensus about the Safety of GMOs

GMO Science - Studies & Research 

My own articles:
The EPA just Approved AGENT ORANGE Pesticide 

Does Monsanto Control Our Food in the US? 

What are GMOs...Just the Facts

When I first learned about GMOs I was super freaked out but then I got busy.  I started growing a few things on my patio.  When we moved, I made sure we had a yard to grow more food.  I started Mary's Heirloom Seeds over 4 years ago.  What started as a tiny non-gmo seed company has GROWN into an education center and go-to small business for organic growing.

I am thrilled and proud of the direction we are headed.  My husband and I work very hard to help our community and our world grow organic.

If you have additional questions about getting started or would like more info please feel free to ask.  As always, I am happy to help.

If you'd like to check out some of our gardening tips, check out our fb page.

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The EU to Ban Heirloom Seeds! Are We Next?

It's no great secret that GMOs are everywhere.  Former staff members of corporate giants like Monsanto have infested our own US Government.  Just one example is Michael Taylor, former Monsanto VP, is now the head of the FDA.  That's the Food and Drug Administration.  The FDA decides what food and drugs are safe to go on the market.

In the words of Bill Maher, "The corporations own this country."  You can watch that video clip HERE.  *Warning: there is a bit of profanity*

It's sickening and unless we DO SOMETHING to stop these mega-corporations from taking over, they will have a complete stranglehold on our lives.

Last year in the news, a Florida couple fought and WON against their city which was trying to force them to remove their veggie garden from their own yard.  You can watch the video HERE.

Lawns are a complete waste of space.  Worse, people spray toxic chemicals on their lawns to keep them looking pretty without any thought to the fact that they are poisoning their kids and their animals in the process. 

NOW is the time to stop thinking "someone needs to do something about this" and start saying "I am going to do something about this."

Even though over 60 countries have either banned or limited the use of GMOs, the European Union via the European Commission is putting farmers in a stranglehold.

Arjun Walia, from Collective-Evolution.com, writes:

The European Commission is changing the European Union’s plant legislation, apparently to enhance food safety across the continent. This move has sparked a heavy opposition from many, saying that the measure will threaten seed diversity and favour large agrochemical businesses. This new law creates new powers to classify and regulate all plant life anywhere in Europe.
The “Plant Reproductive Material Law” regulates all plants. It contains restrictions on vegetables and woodland trees, as well as all other plants of any species. It will be illegal to grow, reproduce, or trade any vegetable seed or tree that has not been been tested and approved by the government, more specifically the “EU Plant Variety Agency.” [...] The new law basically puts the government in charge of all plants and seeds in Europe, and prevents home gardeners from growing their own plants from non-regulated seeds. If they did, they would now be considered criminals.

From Before It's News,

"If the global domination is allowed to take root, biotech and Big Agra will control the world food supply, at the expense of personal liberty.
Because independence is the greatest of all crimes under the emerging global government, which essentially works to protect the dominance established by the biggest of corporations, who participate, in turn, as de facto members of the ruling oligarchy – and in baby steps through the EU, and emerging North American Union, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, et al."

What's the latest in America?  The State Depts of Agriculture are attempting to Regulate Seed Banks out of Existence.

‘Agri-Terrorism’ was cited by officials as a reason why such regulations should be enforced on something as natural as the right to exchange and possess seeds.
 
“There’s almost no danger,” said John Torgrimson, the executive director of the Seed Savers Exchange. “This is not a risk to agriculture in any state. This is not a risk to our food supply.”
Pennsylvania is not alone in this fight. Regulators in Nebraska are also looking at local seed banks.

Today is the day!  NOW is the time to get involved or at least spread the word.  We will not be bullied.  We will not be silenced.

GROW heirloom, Non-GMO seeds.  SAVE those seeds and continue the fight for your right to grow healthy, non-processed, non-corporate controlled food.

As I shared in my last article SEED Terms Explained,
At Mary's Heirloom Seeds we are dedicated to sustainable, organic growing and protecting seed diversity for future generations.  We would NEVER purchase seeds from these chemical giants.  Our seed stock comes from small, family farmers and seeds growers who are also dedicated to seed diversity.

If you have questions, concerns or comments please share.  Your thoughts are welcomed.

This article was brought to you by Mary @ Mary's Heirloom Seeds
With over 200 varieties of Heirloom, Non-GMO & Non-Hybrid, Organically grown seeds, we are your trusted source for your organic growing needs.

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