GMO, OMG!
At a recent bison conference, the topic of GMO’s came up. The biggest concern was the potential, future requirement for GMO transparency on product labels. This includes meat labels from animals fed GMO grains. The reason this was such a big deal to this particular audience, is that 90% of the bison raised for food are raised in the cattle feedlot model, consuming an unnatural diet in confinement for the last 90+ days of their lives. Most of these feeds are GMO.
The conversation continued with people shouting out sarcastic remarks, such as, “What’s a GMO going to do to me anyway? Is it going to turn me into something bad if I eat it?” This was not the time or place to be controversial, for the most part we were amongst good, hard working folks, who were just thinking in the short term.
As I listened to the GMO conversation, I thought it funny that the acronym reversed was OMG! I also thought about the hazmat suits worn, or full cover recommended when using chemicals. If we are advised to not get any of the toxic poisons on us, why would we want to ingest them? I wondered if the man talking would like to try it...
Seriously, the ramifications of pesticide, herbicide, and drought resistant genetically modified organisms are devastating. Studies continue to prove that the use of herbicides and pesticides on crops are directly related to specie diversity loss, compromised water quality, and risks to human health. Add drought resistance to this mix, and we accelerate the plow up of more prairie and desert ecosystems. In short, GMO’s are bad for the environment and we CAN grow food without them.
At Wild Idea Buffalo Company we are always looking at the long-term effects, and do our best to operate sustainably, working with nature, instead of against it. We promise to continue to produce a healthy, delicious, non-GMO meat alternative, for you and your families. If you are interested in more information on GMO’s, there are several studies and stories available on line. Here’s a few links that I found interesting, GMO farmer won't eat his own crops, GMO Facts, and 10 Reasons to Avoid GMOs .
Avoiding GMO foods takes a little more effort, but most groceries now offer organic, or non-GMO certified products.The best way though is to know your farmer or rancher. Our web-site offers a lot of information on our ranching practices, but please feel free to call or e-mail us if you have further questions.
While I certainly agree with you about pesticides and herbicides, keep in mind that all organisms on earth are GMOs. Over time, organisms evolve by modifying their genetics to produce the best survival outcome for that species. In a changing climate, plants, and animals, often become drought resistant on their own, or become resistant to a chemicals, whether natural or man made. The plant and animal worlds are rife with organisms that have evolved their genetics in response to environmental changes. Yes, manipulation in the lab is quicker, but the process is the same. It is the use, or misuse of man made chemicals that are the problem, not improvements to food crops by hastening evolution.
Thanks for another nice read. Also, you might want to put a LinkedIn quick share link in your listing. I was able to paste across the article but a faster link would be nice. It’s also likely well targeted to your demographic audience. Regards, -Ted
I only eat organic GMOs. : )
All one needs to do is search on reputable websites at how the GMO industry’s tentacles are wrapped in the countless government agencies. With big pharma encased in government policy, the consumer has been dealt a demoralizing hand. Live with these unnatural remedies of altered food products or educate oneself and others to spread the word that we have to stand up against bad policy.
The mighty dollar is my vote. And I vote whenever & wherever I can for a non-GMO product on my food table.
Thank you for what you do. I have done much personal researching, reading the articles, study results of both pro GMO and con GMO, for my own health. I advise people to do this themselves, then make an educated decision for themselves. I buy with my own money for my own best health. Wild Idea Bison meat is what I believe to be the best way, done respectfully of the environment and for the sustainability of a natural alternative to GMOs. My health thanks you, my peace of mind thanks you.