Amish Farmers Use GMOs

[Julieanne]

I watched a repeat of a British TV programme last night, from 2008: 'Can GMO Food Save The World?'

I was surprised to see that Amish farmers used GMOs, mostly corn. I didn't think it would fit into their philosophy.

The programme didn't end up with a yes or no answer, it was fairly non-committal. The presenter was cautious, but agreed there was sometimes a need for GMOs. One case in particular was in Africa - a banana disease which could only be controlled with fungicides, which they can't afford. As it is a vital food crop (not the bananas we are familiar with), it was hard to disagree. They don't have the glut of food we have in Western countries.

I was left pondering!

BTW, the bananas had a rice gene inserted, rice being impervious to this particular disease. Not as scary as a herbicide.

[mellowsong]

Because the Amish don't watch TV, don't have computers, don't read the paper etc for the most part, probably, very few if any, have any idea at all of the problems associated with GMO. I am not sure, even with the banana situation, that it is ever OK to mess with genes. Certainly, genes like Roundup resistance and bT insecticide are a lot scarier than a rice gene in a banana but, we don't know what may happen down the road. What if a species dependent on the banana cannot tolerate rice, something like that? It is a dilemna, I won't argue that.

[Pattypans]

I am astonished that the Amish use GMO seeds. How sad! If they're not aware of the dangers, I hope someone will clue them in.

[highlander]

I agree with mellow. I'm against genetic modification. Humans are extremely primitive when it comes to understanding genes. It's like giving a toddler a torch.

[Pattypans]

I agree with mellow. I'm against genetic modification. Humans are extremely primitive when it comes to understanding genes. It's like giving a toddler a torch.

I agree totally.