Guest Editorial: Thoughts on GMO-Free San Juan Islands

By Madie Murray

There are few places in the world that could remain effectively GMO [Genetically-modified organism]-free, and the San Juan Islands is one of them.  I think this is significant and something we can’t afford to take lightly.

As Chair of the Orcas Island Farm to Cafeteria Program as well as a mom and grandmother, I find this opportunity to raise our Island kids eating as few GMO laden products as possible an important one.  In my opinion, the effects of GMO products on growing, young bodies is not researched enough to take the chance.

In 2009, The American Academy of Environmental Medicine called for a moratorium on genetically modified foods, concluding that “GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health.”  (https://www.aaemonline.org/gmopressrelease.html)

Monsanto and DuPont, along with additional money from PepsiCo, General Mills, Kellogg, and countless other food and chemical companies are spending just under $25 million dollars opposing California’s Proposition 37 requiring the labeling of GMO products contained in food. (https://www.mercurynews.com/health/ci_21327364/agriculture-giants-and-biotech-companies-spend-big-defeat)  Doesn’t it just seem odd that they don’t even want us to know when we’re eating GMO food?

However, I urge you to inform yourself before you vote on this important issue that will be on the November ballot.  On Orcas, there will be a film series at the public library every Thursday starting September 13 through October 25.  You may download information on the films and times shown by going to www.orcasislandf2c.org “Links & News” page.  Also, on September 19 at 6:30 p.m., consumer advocate, author and filmmaker Jeffrey M. Smith will be personally speaking at Odd Fellows about healthier GMO-free choices.

I also urge you to go to www.gmofreesjc.org and read the information on the FAQs page under “Local Campaign” where the science and FAQs are addressed.

And, search the pros and cons to get both sides of the story.  After doing that myself a few years ago when I developed a course for teachers on the subject of our food supply, I embrace the opportunity to endorse this initiative to keep San Juan County GMO free…at least until more is known about its effects on our bodies and environment.