The total surface area of land cultivated to grow genetically modified crops increased from 4.2 million acres in 1997 to 331 million acres in 2009. As of today, the United States is the largest producer of GM foods, accounting for 45 percent of the world production, followed by Brazil and Argentina, with 16 and 15 percent of the world share respectively.
**This data is at least 10 years old…with the most recent government move to allow, encourage with our presidents blessing…MORE GMO foods into our farming industry.
Keep in mind….NO long term research or Testing on any genetically modified foods prior to releasing into the mainstream food chain.
Advantages of Eating Locally and In Season~
Most foods on average travel 1,500 miles before it lands on our dinner table. Globalization of the food supply has dealt the environment, our communities, our health and our taste buds a very serious blow.
Air pollution and global warming, loss of family farms and local community dollars are just a few of the negative consequences of food globalization.
We, our children, and our grand children need to understand how our food system works.
When we know and understand the process only then can we act effectively for change.
It’s not always easy to find local and fresh foods, but it is worth whatever effort we have to put out to do so.
For those who can’t grow their own food, and there are many, search out any farms or farmers markets in your area. Be willing to eat whatever is in season in your area. This will make the search much easier and our bodies much healthier.
Many places are starting to offer fresh food co-ops, and while these may not be today’s harvest they are still fresher and safer than the local supermarket.
All across the USA, thousands upon thousands are seeking better food options.
Many of the large brands are now offering organic. Be aware that everything that reads organic…isn’t. There are many, many loop-holes that allow big companies to cheat, and cheat they do.
Companies and brands that are really organic will make it clear and easy to understand their product and packaging. There are many foods on the market now that are organic, we just have to be selective and not as trusting as we would like to be. We also have the option of internet shopping; this gives us access to many natural and organic foods that we might not find locally.
Read labels, understand the ingredients and what they mean.
Sugar is a good example of how misleading words can be. Any word on food packaging that ends in “ose” is a sugar. And the word “sugar” may not be on the ingredient listing at all.
Happy cooking!
Bea Kunz
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