What You Can Do About Biotechnology
Biotechnology is one of the most controversial innovations of the 20th Century. It opens the possibility to re-engineer the genetic structure of plants and animals, radically changing agricultural practices. Biotechnology also has applications in fisheries, forestry, health care, pharmaceuticals, and many other areas.
Given the history of the environmental and social impacts of new technologies, many people are challenging the uncritical acceptance of biotechnology. But what can we really do to foster a more critical approach, or avoid biotech foods and technologies altogether? Here are a few ideas.
-
Learn more about biotechnology
Biotechnology is a complex issue and its proponents generate much of the information on it. The organizations and sources on this site offer an alternative view. By comparing information, it is possible to gain a clearer understanding of the implications of the biotech revolution. -
Make your feelings about biotechnology known to politicians
Write your representatives in Parliament (MP) or the Saskatchewan Legislature (MLA) and tell them what you think. Ask them what they are doing about this issue. -
Join an environmental group
working on this issue and support farm groups seeking alternatives, such as organic farmers' organizations. Choose non-biotech food products
Today, thousands of products include ingredients like genetically engineered (GE) canola, corn, or soybeans. The only way to avoid them is to switch to certified, organically grown foods. Organic certification standards do not permit the use of GE crops. Organic foods can now be found in mainstream stores, as well as food coops, natural food stores, farmers markets, and often direct from organic producers.-
Let your food retailer know
that you don't want to use GE foods and that you support mandatory labeling of GE products, so that consumers can choose. -
Grow more food in your own garden
That way, you know you are getting food that is not genetically modified.