GMOs and Their Role

I’m sure you have heard about GMOs which are being increasingly used by farmers instead of using the healthier non gmo seeds.  These are basically seeds which are genetically engineered by changing their genetic material and injecting it with pesticide, animals, and other plants DNA in order to achieve a flawless crop.  With the introduction of GMOs biotechnology companies have patents which restrict their usage – thus, farmers who use these GMO seeds cannot save them for future plantings.  This means that farmers are completely dependant on these companies for the next season seed supply.  The problem does not end here!  These gmo seeds are unhealthy and have proven to be hazardous for human beings in the long run being responsible for a number of ailments and diseases, not to mention the immense risk they are posing for global seed supply. 

Our ancestors have been saving seeds for hundreds of years, which helped us with a great biodiversity of seeds.  We happily developed, shared and then saved seeds which gave us the tastiest and healthiest food.  However, things are no longer the same and our 12,000 year old heritage of seed saving is now under threat.  In more recent times, a lot is being spoken about the role of GMOs in our daily life and how it is causing immense harm to our environment.  Well – everything is not lost yet!  There is still time and we can do our bit to protect global seed supply. 

Organic Gardening Can Make A Difference

If you are already organic gardening at home, you are supporting your diverse food system.  But what else can you do?  When it is nearing the end of the season, leave a few vegetables on the plants and instead of eating them, save the seeds and use those to replant next year!  This eliminates having to buy new seed every year and it always helps preserve our diminishing heirloom seed population.  You can also create awareness, remind people how important seeds are and the importance of protecting them. 

What You Need To Start Organic Gardening

Buy Non GMO Seeds – The first step to organic gardening and a small step towards saving seeds, is to purchase non GMO seeds.  These seeds are easily available and they really aren’t any more expensive than genetically modified seeds. 

Planting Non GMO Seeds – Once you have the seeds, follow the planting instructions and plant these non gmo seeds in your garden.  You can buy a wide variety of seeds for your garden such as broccoli and eggplants to mention just a few.  Use organic compost for your garden and enjoy delicious and healthy vegetables from your vegetable garden.  With no use of chemical sprays and chemical loaded pesticides in your organic garden, you are saving the soil from damage and protecting the environment in your own way. 

Save Seeds and Share – Once you have harvested your task does not end there.  You need to save these seeds for the next season and continue the process for the next few years.  You can motivate your friends and neighbors to start their own vegetable garden.  Share some of your saved seeds with them, guide them, help them and support them to start their own vegetable garden.  With organic gardening and very little effort from your side, you will be helping in supporting global seed supply and ensuring a healthy life for your family. 

Sign Declaration on Seed Freedom – This is just a small effort but with supportfrom many, it will help in saving seeds. 

If all of us do our bit to save seeds and start an organic vegetable garden, we will be able to protect our global seed supply in a huge way.