Supporting Seed Companies that take The Safe Seed Pledge

It’s not too late to put in an order of seeds from you favorite seed catalog.  But have you checked to see if the company has signed The Safe Seed Pledge?

More and more of us are demanding to know where our food is coming from, how it’s being grown, and how the growers’ practices are impacting the environment and surrounding communities.  We are also becoming more concerned with the genetic engineering of our food crops where they are altered at the molecular level in ways that cannot happen naturally.  

With genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) in most processed or packaged foods already produced in the United States--including those with ingredients containing corn, soybeans, canola, and sugar beets--it’s difficult to find foods that have not been genetically modified unless we were to grow them ourselves.  And this is just what countless Americans are now doing, with backyard—and front yard—vegetable gardens. 

But if we are making a stand against genetically engineered crops we also need to be diligent in supporting seed companies that have taken The Safe Seed Pledge, offering seeds that are untainted by GMO’s.  The Pledge in its entirety is as follows:

“Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend.  We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations.  For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners, and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy or sell genetically-engineered seeds or plants.  The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats.  We feel that genetically-engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release.  More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically-engineered seeds.  Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately people and communities.”

For the 2012 Safe Seed Resource List of seed companies that have signed the pledge, visit:

http://www.councilforresponsiblegenetics.org/viewpage.aspx?pageid=261

I agree with the effort to save the integrity of our global seed supply and will order only from seed companies that have signed the pledge.