An artichoke plant grown from seed. Once it flowered, more graines were collected; with them I hope to grow a new plant in our garden. Is it true that seed collection–from our own gardens–may one day be illegal? Or is this just one of those conspiracy-theory rumors? By the way (and not in the same breath as conspiracy!), the film Genetic Roulette is free for viewing today (Friday), after which you will have to pay to see it!
For those waiting to read the English translation to Jean-Marc's story, click here.
OGM (oh-zhay-em)
: un organisme génétiquement modifié
: a genetically modified organism (a "GMO"); a plant, such as corn, that has been genetically modified
A Day in a French Life… by Kristin Espinasse
In the past month, apart from enjoying every moment with my dear mom (Jules left yesterday…), I have been learning about food, specifically genetically modified food–something that is banned here in France (due to the need for further testing regarding health risks…).
In the United States, genetically modified foods are prevalent, having been silently introduced into the market place in the 1990s. Found in fruits and vegetables, GMOs are in everything from ketchup to peanut butter to kids' breakfast cereal, and are served in restaurants, on airplanes, and in school cafeterias. Currently genetically modified foods do not require labelling (in the States) so there's no knowing whether or not an apple or a cookie or a jar of peanut butter contains them.
Because the following topic could be a touchy or emotional one… I'm going to play it safe and assign myself the role of debate moderator–rather than debate participant! (go ahead and call me une poule mouillée or wet chicken–anything in order to hear your personal view on this GMO topic!)
Thanks for adding any related links (to documentaries, websites, books) that might persuade some of us to agree with you!
Share your view here, and enter to win seeds from this amazing artichoke plant, grown in my garden in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes… and soon to be planted here in our new garden near Bandol.
Click here to enter the discussion: "For or against GMOs".
One of the most exciting days of my life was seeing this gorgeous artichoke plant arise… from a single seed!
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Watch the movie “Bitter Seeds” by Micha X.Peled. All about Monsanto Co.’s greed with their push of selling GM seeds to poor uneducated farmers. It is a disaster to the environment and causing farmers to go bankrupt in India.
I totally agree that GMOs are dangerous and
trying to feed a family healthy food has become scary, to say the least. Recently I
read Dr. W. Davis’ book “Wheat Belly” when a
local reporter found that eliminating wheat
solved her obesity problem, and I’ve been trying that too, although I’m not obese, and I’ve certainly lost THAT TUMMY. it’s so difficult, because wheat is in so many foods, even soy sauce. Gardening here is important too, although we don’t get enough sun. You certainly are onto a big problem.
Dorothy in Abbotsford BC canada
Hi Kristin, cheking in rather late as I’ve been traveling for 2 months in Europe.
Firstly, small typo: poule is Fem, so, the Adj is: mouillée.
It’s great you got this issue going on your blog. I couldn’t read all the repsonses fully but am of course, on the anti-gmo side!
One title not mentionned here (I think) is Seeds of Deception, a book by by Jeffrey Smith. The tale chronicled there-in is hair-raising.
Kudos to you for your courage in starting this debate. Sowing the “Seeds of Doubt” can be a positive thing!
Bonjour all
I know this is a little late in the game. I just stumble onto this discussion through today’s posting by Kristin.
At my previous job, I was in charge of researching and eliminating GMOs from our company’s line of food, groceries, supplements and cosmetics.
After about 18 months of deep research in the matter, I can say with almost certainty that GMOs in our food is dangerous for our health and that of our children.
As a French chef and nutrition therapist (living in Austin, TX), over the past 10 years, I have seen more and more children affected with digestive troubles, food allergies that did not exist 20 years ago and auto immune diseases affecting more and more of us. The first thing I advise my clients is to get off GMOs.
I am currently putting the finishing touches on my upcoming book: GMO 101 in the hope to educate the public in what I consider to be a major hidden source of dis-ease in America.
So far, I have about 100 pages of deeply researched list of genetically ingredients, additives and preservatives used daily in our processed food.
How to avoid GMOs? It takes a little effort but not that much more than you are all already doing:
– Grown your own kitchen garden. Use certified organic seeds. Reuse your own seeds.
– Eat as much locally grown food by trusted farmers. Go visit their farm if you have to.
– Buy only 100% certified organic food. By the way, even those eating only a vegetarian/vegan diet can get their load of genetically ingredients without their knowledge. So beware.
– If you eat processed food (a major source of GMOs), look for the non-GMO Verified label and buy these products only.
As far as labeling, I have been supporting all GMO labeling initiatives since CA, then WA and soon Oregon. California is currently putting this issue back for vote. Vermont just passed a GMO labeling law. They expect to be sued by Monsanto trying to shut them up. Outrageous!
For those of you that still think that Monsanto and ilk are only looking for our own good in selling their seeds to poor countries, please watch this documentary, Seeds of Death:
Bon Appetit!
Chef Alain Braux
P.S. For more GMO and other food issues info, look at my Facebook page: Chef Alain Braux