OGM + organic seed giveaway!
Friday, October 12, 2012
An artichoke plant grown from seed. Once it flowered, more graines were collected; with them I hope to grow a new plant in our garden. Is it true that seed collection--from our own gardens--may one day be illegal? Or is this just one of those conspiracy-theory rumors? By the way (and not in the same breath as conspiracy!), the film Genetic Roulette is free for viewing today (Friday), after which you will have to pay to see it!
For those waiting to read the English translation to Jean-Marc's story, click here.
OGM (oh-zhay-em)
: un organisme génétiquement modifié
: a genetically modified organism (a "GMO"); a plant, such as corn, that has been genetically modified
A Day in a French Life... by Kristin Espinasse
In the past month, apart from enjoying every moment with my dear mom (Jules left yesterday...), I have been learning about food, specifically genetically modified food--something that is banned here in France (due to the need for further testing regarding health risks...).
In the United States, genetically modified foods are prevalent, having been silently introduced into the market place in the 1990s. Found in fruits and vegetables, GMOs are in everything from ketchup to peanut butter to kids' breakfast cereal, and are served in restaurants, on airplanes, and in school cafeterias. Currently genetically modified foods do not require labelling (in the States) so there's no knowing whether or not an apple or a cookie or a jar of peanut butter contains them.
Because the following topic could be a touchy or emotional one... I'm going to play it safe and assign myself the role of debate moderator--rather than debate participant! (go ahead and call me une poule mouillée or wet chicken--anything in order to hear your personal view on this GMO topic!)
Thanks for adding any related links (to documentaries, websites, books) that might persuade some of us to agree with you!
Share your view here, and enter to win seeds from this amazing artichoke plant, grown in my garden in Sainte Cécile-les-Vignes... and soon to be planted here in our new garden near Bandol.
Click here to enter the discussion: "For or against GMOs".
One of the most exciting days of my life was seeing this gorgeous artichoke plant arise... from a single seed!
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For more online reading: The Lost Gardens: A Story of Two Vineyards and a Sobriety