Dairy Farmer Problems
- Details
- Created on Thursday, 31 October 2013 14:58
- Written by Cody Gage
NEW HAMPSHIRE - Denis Ward of North Haverhill has a very strong opinion on the state's proposals to label genetically modified food. The dairy farmer says "The labeling... it shouldn't be done... it shouldn't be done at the state level at least, and I don't see any reason for it at the national level either."
Many farmers have stated it does not make sense to label genetically modified food, because over 70% of food produced in the United States includes some sort of direct or indirect genetically modified organisms (GMO). Ward also went on to say that his cows aren't producing genetically modified milk, but sometimes they eat modified corn.
It used to be thought that if a cow ate modified food that its milk would be tainted from the modified organisms. The Food and Drug Administrations says that this is no longer the case.
The FDA says that cows which are fed GMO's produce milk that's no different than cows that are not. That's why Ward says "special labeling should not be required."
For many local small farms, GMO's have been a saving grace as they have helped them remain open. Many are starting to believe that genetically engineered crops may actually be helping the environment.
Ward stated "You know we've got a couple hundred acres of corn out here, and if we get cutworm in here and we don't have the GMO corn that's resistant to them... it just saves us from having to use pesticides out there for one thing.. and it makes a huge difference."
There is more research being done to confirm the safety of GMOs. If you would like to gather more information on GMO's, you can visit the Food and Drug Administration online.
