(EMAILWIRE.COM, March 29, 2010 )
Emyvale, PEI - Adrian Desbarats, President of Fashion and Earth, said "As you probably know, organic clothing certified by GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) cannot be produced using genetically modified cotton."

"Because of increasing demand for food, there has been heightened interest in the development of GM crops with the argument being improved yield and hence an overall increase in productivity."

"At the surface, the reasoning seems sound but in reality, there are very real dangers."

"We simply do not know enough about the potential impact of GM crops on human health and the environment. For example, Ht crops (designed to resist herbicides) should create a reduction in pesticide use. However, in a new report by agricultural economist Dr. Charles Benbrook, “Genetically Engineered Crops and Pesticide Use in the US”, it was found that farmers use more pesticide on the top three GM crops—corn, soybeans, and cotton—than on conventional varieties. This occurred due to natural development of herbicide resistant weeds requiring ever increasing herbicide use by farmers."

"On the flip side Bt crops are designed so the crop itself produces a chemical protecting it against common pests. Bt crops have resulted in less pesticide consumption. However, recent research found that the insecticidal compounds constantly exuded by the plants have negatively affected micro-organism diversity in the soil. In effect, Bt compounds are killing the soil microbes which are necessary for soil health. Researchers concluded that soil used to grow Bt crops would eventually become uncultivatable."

"In another study by the UCS (Union of Concerned Scientists), “Gone to Seed” it was found that DNA from GM crops are contaminating nongenetically modified seeds. This finding has all sorts of serious implications. For example, in a recent occurrence, organic cotton was found to contain GM cotton. This occurrence could be the result of cross pollination from nearby GM cotton. This is serious stuff which can negatively impact the organic cotton clothing industry."

"But on a more serious front, the finding by UCS that cross pollination between GM and non-GM crops is occurring opens up the very real possibility that our consumable crops are also being contaminated by pharmaceutical based DNA. What does that mean? For the past decade, big pharmaceutical companies have been genetically modifying plant crops to produce drugs. In the US there are no regulations to protect against the possible contamination of non-GM crops by nearby GM crops. Let me provide a superb example outlined by UCS."

"Let’s say a big pharma is growing corn with the ability to produce a drug such as a growth hormone. The pollen from this GM crop is carried through the air pollinating nearby non-GM corn."

"The farmer of the none-GM corn harvests his seeds some of which are now genetically modified. These seeds are sold to a farmer who then grows the corn for food consumption not knowing that some of the corn is actually GM corn."

"Some of this GM corn might have the genetic sequence for growth hormone production or might actually have growth hormone in the corn kernels. The consumer then purchases this corn and is unwittingly contaminating themselves and their family with a pharmaceutical drug."

"It’s a scary scenario but it is very conceivable it has already happened. It is impossible to know for sure as UCS was not able to test for the presence of pharma or industrial DNA because the markers needed to do such tests are not publicly available."

"There are very serious risks associated with GM crops. We are messing around with biology; mixing and matching genes across different species. This is a dangerous game in which no one can anticipate all potential side effects with absolute certainty."

"There are many natural ways we can increase food supply to feed our increasing population, such as improved agriculture practices, reducing soil erosion and salinization, reducing impact of urban sprawl, reducing pollution of water supplies, etc."

"So, for your own health and the health of our planet, say no to GM crops. Buy organic and keep you and our planet healthy. And the next time you want to add to your wardrobe, think about organic cotton clothing instead."


Adrian Desbarats, President of Fashion and Earth, beginning with a background as a biologist, has a passionate desire to balance the needs of the environment with the needs of humans. Visit http://www.fashionandearth.com to shop for stylish and eco-friendly clothing for women.

Join a community of women who care about the future of their families, and the future of our planet. Visit http://www.fashionandearth.com.

Contact Information:
Fashion and Earth
Adrian Desbarats
Tel: 902-675-2217
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