Genetic modification (GM) is defined as the mutation, insertion, or erasing of genes.
While almost anything can be modified genetically, the modification of agricultural crops in laboratory settings which are then patented by big agricultural corporations are what raises the most concern for food sovereignty.
Genetically modified crops are plants used in farming, that have had their DNA modified by genetic engineering techniques. This is often done with the aim of adding a trait to a plant that it does not naturally exhibit. Plants can be engineered to have resistance to some pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, and others with resistance to chemical treatments (for example, resistance to the herbicide Roundup), or changing the nutrient content of the crop.
Modifying crops by genetic engineering is meant to increase yields and improve nutrition, but proof that GM crops do that are ambiguous and some research suggest that farming GM crops with its associated high chemical input is harmful to the environment and that the consumption of GM crops could be carcinogenic to humans.
On the issue of GMOs and their impact on people, animals and the environment more broadly, AFSA therefore advocates the precautionary principle.
AFSA supports thorough and transparent labelling of products containing or deriving from GMOs. We maintain that people have a right to choose or not to choose to consume GM food or other products relying on a GM source.
Violating the concepts of food sovereignty, the application of genetic modification technology has been appropriated in the interest of corporate profit and creates further dependencies for farmers. GM crops have generally failed to deliver on promises of increased yields, and has instead delivered super-pests and super-weeds. AFSA also asserts the need to protect non-GM farms from GM contamination.
2019 President’s Report
Read More
Statement from the National Committee of the Australian Food Sovereignty Alliance
Read More
STOP the sale of GM Golden Rice in Australia
Read More
The way to a healthy and sustainable food supply and where does GM2 fit in?
Read More
Civil Society Calls for Agroecology not GMOs at FAO Meeting in KL
Read More
Farmer Profile: Neil from The Atherton Farms
Read More
Both inspiring and instructive: Vandana Shiva in Sydney
Read More
The strange world of GM-free fast food potatoes, GM cow feed and a global coffee corporation
Read More