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An Analysis Of Genetically Modified And Fresh Foods

The Prince of Wales has recently reopened a can of worms that had laid relatively dormant for almost a decade. It is of course is the debate of genetically modified crops against natural fresh foods. The king in waiting recently made comments to a journalist that were recorded in which he delivered a scathing attack on GM foods, saying that it could be one of the greatest natural catastrophes of all time.

The regent favours fresh foods from natural crops and claims that GM foods are pushing out small producers whilst destroying soil and polluting water. It is claimed that GM foods are the answer to world hunger as they can be designed to withstand more severe conditions and more resilient to strong fertilisers or pesticides. The Prince does not agree and claims that it is all a ruse to industrialise the farming of fresh foods.

In the 1960s we saw a similar problem in the US under the Nixon administration. Farming fresh foods turned into big business, forcing many independent land owners to sell up and seek employment in the towns and cities. This effectively changed the face of America, some believe for the worse and many of the Nixon advisors were senior executives of the conglomerate fresh foods corporations.

The concerns voiced by Prince Charles are focussed on this occurring on a global scale. As opposed to natural fresh foods being produced by independent farmers for their livelihood, they would be completely dependent on the companies who have developed the GM food technology. This would mean the corporation would be the only supplier of fertilizers and pesticides, the price of which could be pushed up whenever to keep the farmer in debt.

This is not the only concern that the Prince voiced. GM foods are genetically engineered foods which means that their DNA has been altered for a certain purpose. They can be made more resilient to herbicides so that stronger chemicals can be used protecting them that will not kill the plant. Also they can be made with additional nutritional content than natural fresh foods. This concerns the Prince who believes that this could prove harmful to humans and the environment.

He is not alone as a senior scientific advisor believes that there could be some grounds for concern. It is thought that from alterations such as resistance to pesticides, insects could develop an immunity to the pesticides which could cause plagues of insects, destroying the crops and leaving natural fresh foods more vulnerable to infestation. Prince Charles is not alone in his fears as many officials and countries have shared these concerns.

A senior scientific advisor has sided with Prince Charles and natural fresh foods, also in 1988 over 60 countries voted unanimously against GM farming opting for natural fresh foods farming at the 11th annual IFOAM conference. Unfortunately this has not changed a great deal as the lobbyists have been hard at work since then, governments around the globe have been infiltrated by GM cheerleaders.

The Prince has taken a firm stance supporting fresh foods from organic sources for ergonomic, economic and environmental reasons. Fresh foods from organic sources are readily available to most developed countries however with food prices rocketing, many consumers are being priced out of the market. This has opened the door for GM corporations to start a campaign focussed on bringing down the cost of food via GM fresh foods.

About the Author

Shaun Parker is a supplier of fresh foods and a commentator on the GM debate.

Author Profile: Galway

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