I watched Food Inc when it was released and it is important to watch. I have asked media houses in Belize to air this so people understand what is happening around them. I know you have heard the terms GMO or Organic Food; you may have even heard of Factory Farming. If you have not heard about these you may be asking what these are about.
GMO – Genetically Modified Organism
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are living organisms whose genetic material has been artificially manipulated in a laboratory through genetic engineering, or GE. This relatively new science creates unstable combinations of plant, animal, bacteria and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.
See the Non GMO Project for more info on GMOs.
Organic Food
Organic foods are foods produced by organic farming. While the standards differ worldwide, organic farming in general features cultural, biological, and mechanical practices that foster cycling of resources, promote ecological balance, and conserve biodiversity. Synthetic pesticides and chemical fertilizers are not allowed, although certain organically approved pesticides may be used under limited conditions. In general, organic foods are also not processed using irradiation, industrial solvents, or synthetic food additives.
Factory Farming
Intensive animal farming or industrial livestock production, also called factory farming, is a modern form of intensive farming that refers to the keeping of livestock, such as cattle, poultry (including in “Battery cages”) and fish at higher stocking densities than is usually the case with other forms of animal agriculture — a practice typical in industrial farming by agribusinesses. The main products of this industry are meat, milk and eggs for human consumption. There are issues regarding whether factory farming is sustainable and ethical.
PETA has this article on Factory Farming.
Watch the documentary now and please share with as many people as you know so they too may know. These things are coming to Belize, in fact you may have seen some already depending on where you live. Choose wisely as you shop.
Battery Caging
This is a short video on Battery Cage Hen, something else you will start seeing more of as well.
Alternative to battery chicken farming
Dr. Mercola Discusses Chickens
Related articles
- Farmers Rise Up Against Industrial Ag and Biotech, Create Community Bill of Rights (realfarmacy.com)
- Drone Video Exposes ‘Feces Lake’ Inside Mega US Factory Farm (memolition.com)
- Pepperidge Factory Farm Under Fire For Inhumane Treatment Of Milanos (joronomo.com)
- Study finds: “Very Strong” correlation between GMOs and two dozen diseases (sott.net)
- Leading Scientists, Physicians and Politicians Expose GMO Dangers (wakingtimes.com)
- Get Milk? Think Again (activistpost.com)
Pingback: Why Garden? | Sharp and Pointed