The Challenges Certified Organic Farming Faces in the Age of Genetically Engineered Crops
Certified organic farming, known for its commitment to sustainability, faces new challenges in New Zealand with the potential introduction of genetically engineered (GE) crops. These challenges pose significant risks to the integrity, economic viability, and ecological sustainability of organic farming.
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic engineering is a modern biotechnology that manipulates an organism's DNA to achieve desired traits.
Unlike traditional selective breeding, which mates organisms with favourable characteristics over generations, genetic engineering involves gene splicing.
This process allows scientists to insert, delete, or alter genes within an organism's genome. By doing so, they can create crops with specific traits such as pest resistance, herbicide tolerance, or improved nutritional content. Many current GMO plants are glyphosate resistant - allowing increased pesticide spraying.
Health Concerns: Potential Dangers of GMOs
Genetically modified organisms have been found to pose potential health risks. Studies have indicated that consuming GMOs may increase the risk of weight gain and immune system issues among other health problems. Research by Seralini et al. (2012) suggested that long-term consumption of GMOs could lead to adverse health effects, including liver and kidney damage, and increased risks of tumours in animal studies.
Cross-Contamination: A Threat to Certification
One of the most pressing concerns for organic farmers is the risk of cross-contamination. Pollen drift from GE crops can cross-pollinate with organic crops, leading to genetic contamination. This contamination can be devastating, as it may result in organic farmers losing their certification and facing financial losses. For instance, GE ryegrass could make organic dairy, beef, lamb production, and organic honey almost impossible. There have been multiple studies done showing that contamination is a common problem for countries that produce GMO products.
Market Value: The Impact on Organic Products
Consumers who buy organic products generally avoid genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the presence of these traits can lead to a loss of trust and a decrease in market demand. This is particularly concerning, not just for livestock and dairy farming as previously mentioned, but vineyards, where even a small amount of contamination can be problematic. Research by Carter and Gruère (2003) has shown that the market value of organic products can be severely impacted by the presence of GE traits. This is unsurprising, as to be certified organic, a product must not contain GMOs.
Legal and Liability Issues: A Growing Concern
Organic farmers may also face legal challenges and liability issues if their crops are found to contain GE traits, even if the contamination was unintentional. This is compounded by the fact that most of the seeds are owned by foreign companies, and New Zealand farmers, who haven’t purchased GMO seeds, are still liable for licensing fees. This has been played out multiple times overseas. The legal battles that can arise from such situations can be costly and time-consuming, further straining the resources of organic farmers. A study by Marvier and Van Acker (2005) highlights the legal complexities and liability issues associated with unintended GE contamination.
Pesticide Drift: Contaminating Organic Fields
GE crops usually require specific herbicides and pesticides – most notably glyphosate, known more commonly as roundup, which can drift onto nearby organic fields. This pesticide drift can contaminate the crops and soil, jeopardising the organic certification of the affected fields. Current polluter pays laws aren’t enforced consistently, leaving organic farmers vulnerable to contamination and its repercussions. Research by Olszyk et al. (2004) has shown that pesticide drift from GE crop fields can pose significant risks to non-GE crops.
Biodiversity Loss: Threatening Ecosystems
GE crops can lead to reduced biodiversity, affecting the resilience of ecosystems and the variety of crops available. Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems and providing a buffer against pests and diseases. The monoculture practices often associated with GE crops can diminish this diversity, making ecosystems more vulnerable and less sustainable in the long run. A review by Pellegrino et al. (2018) highlights the negative impact of GE crop cultivation on biodiversity. New Zealand has one of the most unique ecosystems in the world - introducing GE organisms could threaten this biodiversity by creating new, invasive species that outcompete native plants and animals.
Increased Costs: Financial Burdens on Farmers
Organic farmers may incur costs for testing their crops to ensure they are free from GE contamination. They may also need to implement buffer zones and other protective measures to safeguard their fields from contamination. These additional expenses can strain tight budgets, making it more difficult to remain economically viable. The financial burdens associated with mitigating the risks of GE contamination are yet another hurdle for organic farmers. A study by Brookes and Barfoot (2017) discusses the economic impacts on non-GE farmers dealing with contamination risks.
Safeguarding Organic Farming: Moving Forward
The introduction of genetically engineered crops poses challenges to the integrity, economic viability, and ecological sustainability of certified organic farming. Organic farmers face risks from cross-contamination and market devaluation to legal issues, pesticide drift, biodiversity loss, and increased costs. Policymakers, consumers, and the agricultural community must address these challenges to safeguard the future of organic farming.
Organic farming represents a commitment to sustainability and integrity. As we navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, we need to support organic farmers in overcoming these challenges and ensuring the continued availability of truly organic products.
Advocacy and Support: Take Action
Your awareness and advocacy can make a difference in preserving the integrity of organic farming for future generations. Here’s how you can help:
Write to Your Local MP: Express your concerns about the impact of GE crops. Advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement of ‘polluter pays’ laws and the continued strict assessment and regulation of genetic engineering in NZ.
Donate to OANZ: Support organisations like Organic Aotearoa New Zealand (OANZ) that promote and protect organic farming. Your donations can help fund research, advocacy, and educational initiatives.
Spread the Word: Share this information with your community. Educate others about the risks of GE and the importance of supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Together, we can help ensure that organic farming remains a viable and thriving option for future generations.
Resources:
Health:
Seralini, G. E., et al. "Long term toxicity of a Roundup herbicide and a Roundup-tolerant genetically modified maize." Food and Chemical Toxicology 50.11 (2012): 4221-4231
GMO food can cause obesity – Report
Pesticides in paradise: Hawaii's spike in birth defects puts focus on GM crops
Cross-Contamination:
Transgenics contaminate a third of Brazil’s traditional corn in semiarid region
Mexican Corn Contamination Confirmed
Scientists uncover risks in GM oil seed rape
Hay contaminated with Monsanto GMOs rejected for export
Feral 'Roundup Ready' GM alfalfa goes wild in US West
Market Value + Consumer Demand:
Carter, C. A., & Gruère, G. P. "Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods: Does it really provide consumer choice?" AgBioForum 6.1&2 (2003): 68-70
EU bans GM-contaminated honey from general sale
Survey shows New Zealanders feel they lack information about gene-edited food
Gen Z shoppers will ‘be the greenest shopper yet,’ Non-GMO Project shares in latest awareness data
Mandatory labeling on genetically engineered foods may reduce customer purchases
Pesticide Drift:
Olszyk, D., et al. "Impacts of genetically modified crops on pesticide use in the US: the first sixteen years." Environmental Sciences Europe 24.1 (2012): 24
Missouri Farmer Wins $265 Million Verdict Against Monsanto
Law + Liability:
Marvier, M., & Van Acker, R. "Can crop transgenes be kept on a leash?" Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 3.2 (2005): 99-106).
Organic Farmer Dealt Final Blow in Landmark Lawsuit Over Monsanto’s GMO Contamination
Ecosystems:
Pellegrino, E., et al. "Impact of genetically engineered maize on agronomic, environmental and toxicological traits: a meta-analysis of 21 years of field data." Scientific Reports 8.1 (2018): 3113
Expert Feature: Professor Carolyn King - invasive mammals
Increased Costs:
Brookes, G., & Barfoot, P. "Economic impact of GM crops: the global income and production effects 1996–2015." GM Crops & Food 8.1 (2017): 1-18
Get off my lawn! Organic farmers just can’t get along with GMO-growing neighbors
GM cotton really is helping to drive Indian farmers to suicide