genetic engineering

CCOF joined individuals and groups representing some 57 million Americans in signing a letter that warns citizens, politicians, and regulators in the United Kingdom and in the rest of the European Union about the hazards of genetically modified crops (GMOs).

The letter describes the history of GMOs in the United States, including the struggle of farmers and concerned citizens to increase oversight and regulation of GMO crops. The letter not only points out environmental concerns, but it also notes that GMO drift continues to plague non-GMO producers across the United States.

The CCOF Board of Directors voted in mid-May to adopt a strong GMO policy shared by CCOF’s strategic partner, the Organic Trade Association.

The policy calls for a moratorium on production of genetically modified crops until more research on their environmental and potential health issues has been conducted, and a meaningful regulatory framework is in place.

Hundreds are expected to turn out for a panel session at the upcoming Organic & Non-GMO Forum that will address certified transitional, a new process spearheaded by Kellogg-owned Kashi in which a third party certification company monitors and approves farms that are transitioning from conventional to organic.

The 2nd Annual Organic & Non-GMO Forum 2016, to be held November 14-15, 2016, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, is the only domestic conference of its kind, bringing together stakeholders across the organic and non-GMO value chain, from production to packaging.