Agricultural News
The Great GMO Debate - Hear the Opposition's Side of the Argument
Thu, 03 Nov 2016 17:01:38 CDT
Despite the many benefits that genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, have literally brought to the table, there are still those who question whether or not the science poses unintended consequences to the health of consumers and the environment. Michael Dimock, an agricultural activist from California, is one of those people. Radio Oklahoma Network's Associate Farm Director Carson Horn talked with Dimock about his stance on GMOs at a recent conference hosted by the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University.
"My big concern with genetically modified organisms is they're part of an industrial food system which I think has a lot of negative implications," Dimock said. "It's a tool that allows for monocultures basically. Monocultures are not sustainable in the long term. Nature teaches us that."
Dimock asserts that issues with weed resistance and various plant diseases all have to do with monoculture. He insists modern agriculture is in a losing fight as long as monocultures are allowed to persist through the use of GMOs. He suggests using instead, what he calls an, "agro-ecological" approach.
"I always hear this argument, 'organic can't feed the world.' I don't necessarily agree with that," Dimock says. "I think it's a very complex question and problem we have. We live in a world where everything is down to a soundbite and these issues of agriculture and civilization and the future require a deeper conversation."
While Dimock does not agree GMOs are suitable for the food system, he does believe they show promise being utilized in areas such as pharmaceuticals.
"I think that there are promising things that could happen in biotech and agriculture. But the framework around which they're being introduced is all messed up," Dimock said. "I'm not going to give you a clear-cut answer, 'yes or no I don't like biotechs in agriculture.' I think it's complex and I think there could be useful applications but we have a lot of things to change before we get there."
Listen to RON's Associate Farm Director Carson Horn speak with agricultural activist Michael Dimock about his stance on the value of GMOs, by clicking on the LISTEN BAR below.
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