Genetically modified soybeans found in the north
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has been a debatable topic during the past two years. Some farmers want to use the laboratory synthesized versions of plants because of the higher yield they can give and the potential for improved revenue streams. However, there are also those who worry about the health concerns since there is a growing world demand for produce that are natural and grown without pesticides. But apparently GMOs are being brought illegally into Belize. The Plant Health Department of the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) discovered suspected genetically modified soybean seeds in Northern Belize. Samples were taken to BAHA’s Plant Health Diagnostics Laboratory in Central Farm for GMO screening on May twenty-eight and they all tested positive; indicating that the seeds were genetically modified. An additional set of samples were sent to Eurofins Genescan laboratory in the United States on May thirtieth for a confirmatory test using Polymerase Chain Reaction or PCR technology. On Thursday, BAHA received the results which verified the validity of the tests. Sowing of GMO seeds is prohibited in Belize and BAHA had placed the seeds under quarantine. The seeds will be milled and used in the production of animal feed which contains genetically modified soybeans. Belize currently imports animal feeds which contains genetically modified soybeans. So while you may not eat the GMO directly, it still ends up in the food chain.
I recommend people educate themselves about GMO. These farmers found out the hard way that GMO seeds are bad. You need to have constant water to grow the seeds. If you rely on weather to water these plants then this is not for you. Also the farmers found that the had to use pesticides because the bugs that went for these plants were hard to kill. The farmers learnt all this because they experienced it. Learn from them. It applies to any seeds even corn. I urge media houses to air this documentary. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2306473/. It’s called ‘Bitter Seeds.’
I recommend people educate themselves about GMO. These farmers found out the hard way that GMO seeds are bad. You need to have constant water to grow the seeds. If you rely on weather to water these plants then this is not for you. Also the farmers found that the had to use pesticides because the bugs that went for these plants were hard to kill. The farmers learnt all this because they experienced it. Learn from them. It applies to any seeds even corn. I urge media houses to air this documentary. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2306473/. It’s called ‘Bitter Seeds.’
This is an important story, and I trust that an update will be provided. The individuals ultimately responsible for this illegal act, must be penalized. Please update us next week.