Not the Eggplant!

Monsanto is screwing with the vegetables. Monsanto and Mahyco have developed a genetically modified (GM) eggplant, or Bt brinjal, that can stave off boring larvae in India. But Indians have put their foot down and said "Hold On!"

An article yesterday in Business Weekly explains though the environment minister feels the new eggplant is safe, the government has put its introduction to the agricultural community on hold for more scientific testing.

According to the article, the European Union has already voiced its concern about GM foods.

While the U.S. and Canada have grown genetically modified crops like corn and soybean for years, resistance remains strong in Europe, where some countries rejected the use of crops changed to increase resistance to drought, pests or specific herbicides. Germany’s BASF SE has had a GM starch potato stuck in the European Union’s approval process for 14 years

The EU has specific guidelines on the importation of GM seeds. But individual countries within the EU have voiced their own opinions on GM seed usage. In 2009, Germany joined five other countries and banned the use of GM maize, or corn, in the country. The proof is just not there that genetically modified seed is not harmful to humans, animals, or the environment.

What is to say that an eggplant that is resistant to certain insects won't harm people who eat it? How will consuming this food alter our own genetics over time? Do I have an answer to how to feed the world? No, I wish I did. I just do not believe that screwing with our earth, and all that lives on it, is the way to go. Look what we have done so far.