This past week saw a vote to ban Genetically Engineered crops (GE) in parts of Hawaii. The people who pushed for the ban were very active with “information.” But how accurate was the information?

If one looks at the global consensus on GE crops it is very clear world experts all agree on the safety of GE crops and food derived from them. Even European research agrees on the safety:

“The main conclusion to be drawn from the efforts of more than 130 research projects, covering a period of more than 25 years of research, and involving more than 500 independent research groups, is that biotechnology, and in particular GMOs, are not per se more risky than conventional plant breeding technologies.”

Papayas on the Big Island are genetically modified to protect them from a deadly virus.

Sophie Cocke/Civil Beat

It was claimed GE crops threaten organic crops. But when the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association took Monsanto to court over such claims the false nature of this claim became apparent. No organic farmer has ever been sued for trace amounts of GE showing up in their organic crops. No organic farmer in North America has ever lost certification for trace amount GE in their organic crop.

Unfortunately this is just one of the many myths about GE crops that became part of the debate leading up to the vote.

The supporters of the ban claimed environmental harm from growing GE crops in Hawaii. The claims of not tested, huge pesticide use and loss of biodiversity were everywhere during the lead up to the vote. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences 2010 report — Impact of GE crops on Farm Sustainability in the U.S. — said it well:

“In general, the committee finds that genetic-engineering technology has produced substantial net environmental and economic benefits to U.S. farmers compared with non-GE crops in conventional agriculture.”

European science was equally clear:

“There is abundant and accumulating evidence from extensive worldwide experience for benefit, and lack of evidence for environmental or human health risk associated with GM crop technology.”

If one goes online to learn about GE crops it becomes very clear there is a great deal of conflicting information. How is the average person supposed to determine what is correct information? Seeking out national food safety, health and science authorities will ensure the accuracy of information about GE crops and derived.

There were calls in Hawaii to respect the “precautionary principal.” However European GE policy was based on the precautionary principal and they said:

“The misuse of the precautionary principle has led to restrictive legislation and both a political and market mistrust of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This has had a profound chilling effect on both public and private investment for European agricultural research.”

Fear is a powerful motivator and there is little doubt fear stories were used to influence the public in the Hawaiian vote. Now the GE crop ban will be challenged in court where the “facts” cannot be faked.

The last word on this is also from the European National Academies of Science.

“It is vital that sustainable agricultural production and food security harnesses the potential of biotechnology in all its facets.”