Scientist Claims Link Between GMO Crops and Livestock Infertility
The Los Angeles Times reports that an emeritus professor from Purdue University, Don M. Huber, claims to have found a link between genetically modified crops and infertility in livestock. Huber, age 76, and a former researcher for Monsanto Corporation, wrote to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in January. In his letter, he stated that he and his colleagues had identified an unknown organism which appears pathogenic, and urged the Secretary to launch an investigation. Farmers in the soybean industry are familiar with a problem called "sudden death syndrome" which can wipe out an entire field within days. This problem has been known for more than twenty years, much longer than soybeans have been genetically modified. But, Huber says his research shows a new organism, which he claims to be the result of genetic modification. His claims tie this organism to infertility in the animals who eat the crops.
Concerns over the impact of genetic modification in animal feed crops arose more aggressively, as the U.S. allowed Monsanto Corporation to genetically engineer alfalfa. GMO crops cross-pollinate with non-GMO crops. This means that once Monsanto has planted their alfalfa, everyone else's alfalfa will become contaminated. Nature will use the wind and the rain to eventually transform all alfalfa to the genetic modification. By the time doctors and scientists learn whether or not this has harmed human health, there will be no way to go back.
Organic consumer advocates decry the decision to allow GMO alfalfa to be grown with no restrictions. They say the honeybee population, the cattle, and ultimately human beings, will suffer harm to our health. The honeybee population is already in danger due to colony collapse disorder, possibly brought on by the proliferation of pesticides and GMO fields.
The decision to allow GMO is a "no going back" decision. GMO does not coexist with organic practices. Instead, it changes the landscape of nature. There is no reset button once that occurs.
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