ECO-PROS Genetic Engineering

There can be unexpected benefits and unexpected risks in applying and using technology.
"Anticipating the effects of technology is therefore as important as advancing its capabilities."
(Science for All Americans)

There are some wonderful new discoveries that are coming to light that could lead to miraculous new medical techniques that will save lives and remedy disabilities. But, new technologies can have some frightening possibilities, and should not be applied prior to exhaustive study, nor without extreme caution. Our future well-being will depend a great deal on how we use, and in some cases restrict, technology.

WHAT IS GENETIC ENGINEERING?
This medical encyclopedia defines Genetically Engineered Foods (also known as Bioengineered Foods and Biotech Foods), and lists potential benefits and potential risks, concerns about side effects,
MedlinePlus (A service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health)

A DARK SIDE OF THE GOLDEN HARVEST?
Newsday (April 18, 2005)

DON'T BE IN THE DARK ABOUT INGREDIENTS IN YOUR FOOD
If you would like to know which companies are saying NO to GMOs, get the True Food Shopping List . Print out a copy of the non-GE foods list and take it to the store with you. The list illustrates a dramatic shift in the food industry away from engineered foods; however, some companies are still allowing their consumers to eat in the dark without knowing what they are eating!
True Food Shopping List - (The True Food Network)

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROPS
"It has been estimated that upwards of 60 percent of processed foods on supermarket shelves--from soda to soup, crackers to condiments--contain genetically engineered ingredients."
The Center for Food Safety

GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD RIGHT TO KNOW
THE CAMPAIGN TO LABEL GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS - Take Action!
"Mission statement: To create a national grassroots consumer campaign for the purpose of lobbying Congress and the President to pass legislation that will require the labeling of genetically engineered foods in the United States."
The Campaign - Grassroots Political Action

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION'S STATEMENT ON Bt10 CORN (April 27, 2005)
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S STATEMENT ON Bt10 CORN

UNITED NATIONS BIOSAFETY TREATY TALKS

(U.N.) CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

BIOSAFETY MEETING TO HELP GOVERNMENTS REDUCE GMO RISKS

GET THE DRIFT?
Gene drift: The drifting of novel bio-engineered genes into wild populations is a serious threat to biodiversity, potentially allowing altered plants to out-compete native populations and disrupting ecosystems dependent on those plants.

"Blown profits Genetic drift affects more than biology - US farmers stand to lose millions"

Genetic Drift - American Phytopathological Society

NORTHERN PRAIRIE WILDLIFE RESEARCH CENTER - MIGRATORY BIRD FACT SHEET
The "introduction of genetically modified crops that provide for exceptional weed control may pose a long-term threat to seed-eating migratory birds and resident wildlife populations."

Northern Plains Sustainable Agriculture Society - SAVE OUR SEED! GMO PETITION

Council for Responsible Genetics - THE SAFE SEED PLEDGE

U.S. PIRG.ORG - U.S. Public Interest Research Group - click on Genetically Modified Food link under Consumer category.

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS NETWORK - Search for "biotech," "biotechnology". Also see Food and Agriculture section.

WEIRD SCIENCE: The Brave New World of Genetic Engineering
GM, GE, GMO - GEE WHIZ!
"Hey Mom, what's for dinner????"

or maybe we'll be saying "WHO was it?"