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Genetic Engineering

Background

Genetic Engineering is an area that has gotten Beyond Pesticides' attention in light of the pesticide paradigm that is being pushed via genetically engineered food crops. Whether it is the incorporation of genes from a natural bacterium (Bt) into food crops, or the development of an herbicide-resistant crop, this approach to pest management is short-sighted and dangerous.

Beyond Pesticides publicizes the serious health and pest resistance problems associated with the approach, and provides important links to activists working in the pesticide community. More than 70% of all genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are altered to be herbicide resistant. Increased planting of herbicide-resistant GE crops has led to a dramatic increase in herbicide use. The overuse of herbicide-resistant crops has also led to "super weeds," and the destruction of pollinator habitat.

Our goal is to push for labeling as a means of identifying products that contain genetically engineered ingredients, seek to educate on the public health and environmental consequences of this technology, and generate support for sound, ecologically based management systems. This technology should be subject to complete regulatory review, which is currently not the case.

As we move forward, we are united in opposing genetically engineered organisms in food production and believe that pressure to stop the proliferation of this contaminating technology must be focused on the White House and Congress. The entities responsible for this situation are the biotechnology companies whose GE technology causes genetic drift and environmental hazards that remain uncontained as the deregulation of genetically engineered alfalfa goes forward. The organic community stands together with consumers, farmers, and environmental and business interests to ensure practices that are protective of health and the environment.

News and Alerts

(August 1, 2016) President Signs Weak Product Labeling Law on Genetically Engineered Ingredients, Preempts States

(July 7, 2016) U.S. Senate Moves to Limit GMO Labeling

(April 20, 2016) GAO Finds USDA Regulation of Genetically Engineered Crops Deficient

(March 24, 2016) More Companies to Label for GE Ingredients, While Maintaining Their Safety

(March 21, 2016) Boulder County, Colorado to Phase Out GE Crops on Public Land

To read more, visit the GE section of our Daily News blog.

You can find further information on the United States Department of Agriculture's website.

Genetically Engineered Food: Failed Promises and Hazardous Outcomes

2013 National Pesticide Forum

As the emergent GE labeling movement challenges industrial agriculture, USDA continues to
deregulate GE crops. This workshop was part of "Sustainable Families, Farms, and Food:
Resilient Communities through Organic Practices," Beyond Pesticides' 31st National Pesticide
Forum, April 5–6, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.