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THE IMMUTABLE SQUASH PATTI PAN
Pattypan squash is a varietal group of summer squash notable for its round and shallow shape, and scalloped edges, somewhat resembling a flying saucer!
The pretty pink marble PATTI PAN squash (above) has a Siamese twin, which rarely happens in nature. Here, PATTI PAN initiates thoughtful discourse about world food insecurity.
The promise that genetically modified organisms (GMOs), can “feed the world” is largely used by the biotech seed companies that have proprietary control of their seeds, wanting exclusive right to sell them to farmers. Though the idea is compelling, it seems false, and self-serving.
A watchdog group, The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network,, regularly summarizes opinions on food GMOs from around the planet:
· GM crops on the market are not designed to address hunger.
· GM crops do not increase yields.
· GM crops to not increase farmer incomes.
· GM crops increase pesticide use and harm the environment.
· GM crops are patented and owned by large corporations.
According to the recent UN report on global food security, enough food is produced to feed the world without GM crops: DO WE REALLY NEED GMOS TO FEED TH?
According to the recent UN report on global food security, enough food is produced to feed the world without GM crops: Do We Really Need GMOs to Feed the World?
GREENPEACE calls GMOs "genetic pollution." But if GMOs are to be completely out of the picture, it might mean there are no vegetables enriched with cancer-fighting chemicals, drought-resistant corn, allergen-free peanuts, and bananas that deliver vaccines. Really? Are these attributes of GMOs Needed?
Green America suggests that it is possible: FEEDING THE WORLD WITHOUT GMOs.
Recently on PBS' local program, New Mexico in Focus (April 2024), a roundtable panel discusses food challenges, waste and management in our own state. Apparently we could feed hungry and malnourished children in New Mexico just from the food that is discarded in restaurants, grocery stores, produce warehouses and even from the fields. There are groups in New Mexico working on ways to put food on the plate of a hungry child rather than go to waste.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the primary agency responsible for assuring the ecological safety of plants, has not rejected a single application for a genetically engineered crop. Some scientists believe more study is necessary to better predict the consequences of modified food sources. The USDAs website has a new education initiative called FEED YOUR MIND to help consumers better understand GMOs.
PATTI PAN presents us with food for thought. World hunger is a complex issue that needs addressing politically, socially and economically. GMOs might be a part of the solutions, but they are not the ultimate solution.
Being UNDECIDED about whether GMOs are good or bad is understandable.
Education helps us know whaddawegonnado!
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