Close to Home: Why a local GMO ban makes sense

The Close to Home column by Tom Cooke last week had a number of inaccurate assertions (“Let science, humanity inform your GMOs vote,” June 19). I remind Professor Cooke that truth is not a fear tactic.

The Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Ordinance, which will be on the fall ballot, is simple and clear. It prohibits the cultivation, propagation, raising and growing of genetically engineered organisms in Sonoma County. It protects family and/or organic farms from contamination by genetically engineered plant pollen drift. In addition, it protects from the increased herbicide use inherent in the cultivation of these crops.

Genetically engineered pollen poses a genuine concern for non-GMO and organic farmers, as pollen drift threatens to contaminate unintended crops even with buffer zones.

Genetically modified/engineered organisms are strictly forbidden in organic production. As reported by The Press Democrat in April 2015, “More than 270 organic farms and food producers operated last year in Sonoma County.” The cross-pollination of organic crops renders crops worthless to the farmer, as well as damages the reputation of the farm. Sonoma County cannot afford to lose this edge on the organic market.

Cooke mentions that corn is genetically engineered to improve its resistance to weeds, insects and disease. However, a Union of Concerned Scientist's brief shows weeds developed resistance to glyphosate. More than 60 million acres of U.S. cropland suffer from resistant weeds. They wreak environmental havoc, increase farmers' costs and promote the use of more toxic chemicals. According to a 2013 study, in the southeastern United States, 92 percent of cotton and soybean fields were infested with Roundup-resistant weeds, as a result of the planting of Roundup-ready crops.

According to Charles Benbrook, former director of the National Academy of Sciences' Board of Agriculture, “Herbicide resistant crop technology has led to a 527 million pound increase in herbicide use in the U.S. between 1996 and 2011.”

Cooke fails to explain that Bt Corn has been genetically engineered to produce an insecticidal protein (Bt) in every cell of the plant. The plant is regulated as a pesticide. Insects, like weeds, exhibit resistance and often require additional spraying.

Cooke cites increased crop production; however, numerous scientific studies conclude GM crops do not offer higher yields. A 2007 study by agronomist Barney Gordon suggests that Roundup-ready soya continues to suffer from lowered production. Studies show that glyphosate applied to Roundup Ready soybeans inhibits the uptake of nutrients essential to plant health and performance, increases mineral deficiencies and disease susceptibility and inhibits photosynthesis.

When asked if genetically engineered crops could solve world hunger, Professor Bob Watson, chief scientist at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, replied : “The simple answer is no.”

Cooke states that science is clear that GMOs are safe for humans, animals and the environment. However, those assertions continue to be proven untrue. On March 20, 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, classified glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, as carcinogenic to humans, based on animal studies. The state of California has proposed to list glyphosate as a probable carcinogen.

Finally, Cooke asserts that it is impossible for genes in GMOs to find their way into humans. The American Medical Association's Council on Science and Public Health, however, concludes that horizontal gene transfer is possible for antibiotic-resistant genes. Herbicide resistant transgenes “survive, intact, through the small intestine of humans when bioengineered food made with Roundup Ready soybeans is consumed.”

Vote yes in November to preserve Sonoma County's brand: organic and sustainable family farms, dairies, and vineyards.

Karl Forsyth, a Santa Rosa resident, is a volunteer with the “GMO-Free Sonoma County” movement and assistant treasurer for Citizens for Healthy Farms and Families. For more information, go to www.gmofreesonomacounty.com.