We
Oppose GMOs!
Stonyfield Farm does not support the use of genetically
modified or engineered organisms (GEOs) and will not knowingly
or willingly utilize them in any of our products. Furthermore,
we strongly support the consumer's right to choose and the mandatory
labeling of all products containing genetically modified organisms.
What is a GMO?
A genetically engineered organism is "an organism which has
been modified by the insertion of DNA by human intention. It is
usually DNA which has been modified or 'engineered' to suit a particular
purpose (recombinant DNA is the same thing). The DNA can be from
a foreign organism, from the same organism or it may be a sequence
synthesized in a laboratory."
(Dr. Lynn M. Hartweek, Agronomy Department, University of Wisconsin,
Madison, WI, May 1997)
A less technical explanation is offered by the National Organic
Standards Board (NOSB), an advisory board to the United States
Department of Agriculture. The NOSB defines GMOs as organisms "made
with techniques that alter the molecular or cell biology of an
organism by means that are not possible under natural conditions
or processes." GMOs move DNA within an organism, either between
or within a species, in ways not possible under natural conditions.
Genetic engineering facilitates the combining of DNA from unrelated
species- such as bacteria and soybeans, as compared to traditional
hybridization and crossbreeding techniques that mix genes from
the same or closely related species.
Why is Stonyfield Farm opposed to the use
of GMOs?
- Once released
into the environment, genetically altered crops can have unintended
and devastating effects on the environment. Numerous studies
have already demonstrated the potential for the genetically
altered material to spread to other plant species and cause
ecological damage. For instance, studies have shown that Monarch
butterfly populations have been damaged by GMO corn pollen.
This unanticipated consequence could be a harbinger of other
unintended consequences yet to come.
- There is scientific
evidence of great potential danger to human health including
unanticipated allergens and toxins.
- Genetic "drift" cannot
be contained. If harm results from a genetically altered organism
released into the environment the GMO cannot be recalled. GMOs
are irreversible and permanent.
The use of GMOs is an experiment that can't afford to fail. Stonyfield
Farm advocates an immediate moratorium on the use of all GMOs.
We advocate a prudent approach and the adoption of the precautionary
principle to first prove that there will be no health or ecological
consequences, before we risk our children's future.
Stonyfield Farm and GMO's
Stonyfield Farm does not knowingly purchase GMO ingredients for
use in any of our products. We prohibit the use of the genetically
engineered drug recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH) for
use on cows providing milk for ALL of our products- organic and
non-organic. Stonyfield Farm was the first dairy in the nation
to pay a premium to our farmers NOT to use the synthetic growth
hormone.
Since organic production prohibits the use of GMOs, the farmers
who provide us with organic milk are prohibited from using GMO
feeds for their cows. However, that cannot be said for the conventional
dairy farmers who provide milk for our non-organic products. Conventional
dairy farmers in our region are already financially stressed. Requiring
these farmers to purchase organic or more expensive segregated
GMO free feed could put them out of business. We are diligently
working to convert more of our products and farmers to certified
organic, but in the meantime, the feed the conventional farmers
buy for their cows, may be from GMO sources.
We will continue to do our best to support all natural and organic
food from a sustainable food system free of genetically engineered
products.
If you should have further questions about
Stonyfield Farm practices, please call us at 1-800-PRO-COWS.
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