via Eloise Engman Viewpoint just submitted to Maui News: I’m voting YES on Maui’s Voter Initiative placing a moratorium on planting Genetically Engineered Organisms. It applies only to artificial GE technology, not traditional plant improvement. Hawaii is skeptical of multinational agrochemical corporations. Until a lawsuit against the USDA compelled that agency to enforce environmental laws, corn genetically engineered to produce experimental vaccines for AIDs, hepatitis, and swine diarrhea were grown in our open air. Those corn pollens could have contaminated corn grown for food. The substances produced had the potential to cause severe allergies, anaphylactic shock, and even death. The current misleading, inaccurate media blitz underway in Maui County is typical. Every GMO ordinance put forward by communities has faced deep pocketed public relations campaigns designed to incite confusion and fear. Another source of confusion about Maui’s first citizen’s initiative to reach the ballot is a bill introduced to Maui’s county council in 2013 regarding pesticide disclosure and buffer zones. The two bills have no relationship to each other. The moratorium doesnt change anyone’s ability to legally use pesticides in any way. Monsanto etc. receive special permits from USDA and spray their experimental GMOs many days a week. Homes, schools and hospitals are often down wind. The EPA admitted in Maui County Council testimony that it doesnt monitor these activities. Pesticides have already polluted groundwater sources on Maui. Are our reefs, air, and health affected? Vote YES to find out. The moratorium allows everyone to farm and garden as they do now, except no planting of GMO seed. If any corporation etc. wishes to plant GMOs during the moratorium, they (not the county!) will pay for independent scientific studies of these controversial products. If proven safe, they can be grown. GMO corporations started as chemical companies, and that’s their main business. The vast majority of GMOs are genetically engineered to be immune to repeated and direct applications of their herbicides. Super-weeds have developed immunity to Roundup, so the USDA recently approved crops resistant to 2,4D (an ingredient in Agent Orange.) which will be sprayed directly on GMO corn and soy resistant to 2,4D. Much of the controversy over GMOs is because biotech corporations (not the FDA, USDA, or EPA) safety-test their own products. Our government regulatory agencies are often headed by former Monsanto executives and lobbyists. An internet search on “GMO revolving door” will give you many specifics. This serious conflict of interest undermines effective regulation…and is why citizens are working hard for independent studies. I listened to testimony by Monsanto’s workers speaking of job loss fears. However, Monsanto has not stated they would leave when the moratorium passes. The closest mention has been “There may be some job loss.” The specter of economic doom was painted with innuendo, then reported in our local press, and has been repeated and embellished ever since. Considering the millions these multinational agrochemical corporations have invested in infrastructure, along with the huge demand globally for non-GMO (conventional) seed, it’s simply not logical they would leave due to the moratorium. That would be a poor business decision. Monsanto’s website states they sell conventional seed in the many countries which have banned GMOs. Growing conventional seed in Maui County is their logical course of action after the moratorium passes. It will be easy to comply with the moratorium by simply planting conventional seed. There is no reason for any gardener, farmer, or corporation to face any penalties. The moratorium allows any GMO plants in the ground to be harvested. A back yard grower would not have to cut down a Rainbow Papaya tree. However, please know, Rainbow Papaya contains antibiotic resistant genes and genetic material from e-coli bacteria. Due to demand, UH now provides organic papaya seed. Maui’s economy need not skip a beat due to the moratorium! Tourism has been and remains the foundation of our economy. Passing the moratorium will strengthen our most important industry. People visit Maui from all over the world, many from countries which ban GMOs. Agricultural and ecological tourism are both expanding and contribute to keeping our communities viable, strong and prosperous. The truth is that the moratorium is well written and fair. Please get the facts directly from the source and read the moratorium yourself at shakamovement.org/law.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Oct 2014 01:58:30 +0000
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