Genetically
Modified Foods 		 
   
FSFS is currently examining the impacts of genetically modified crops on the natural ecosystems, food producers, eaters, and economies of California. Genetically modified foods have become an issue of increasing concern throughout the world, as seen in:
  • the recent passing of measures to ban the growth of genetically modified crops in Mendocino and Trinity counties;
  • the European Union’s end to a six-year moratorium on the approval of biotechnology crops; and
  • ongoing disputes between biotech companies and environmentalists on the ecological impacts of growing GM crops.
We seek to examine the multiple facets of GMO food issues in California in order to have a better grasp of the facts about genetic engineering and to share this knowledge with the foundation community.

To learn more about genetically modified crops, please attend our next event:
Is Genetically Modified Food compatible with a Sustainable California?
A look at the facts and uncertainties.

or visit the following links:


FOUNDATION INITIATIVES
 »  Information from the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology


POLICY INITIATIVES
 »  Information on Mendocino County’s Measure H ­ the first county in the nation to ban the growing of genetically modified crops and animals

 »  Information on Trinity County’s ban on GMOs


NEWS ARTICLES
 »  Group Claims Biotechs Don't Deliver on Promises

 »  U.S. Dismisses Report That Says Biotech Corn Should Be Better
     Regulated to Protect Mexican Countryside

 »  Sacramento Bee’s “Seeds of Doubt” in-depth articles on biotech

 »  UC Berkeley’s research deal with Novartis

 »  Widespread GMO Contamination in Hawaii


NONPROFITS and REPORTS
 »  Action for Solidarity, Equality, Environment & Development (ASEED)

 »  Center for Ethics and Toxics

 »  Center for Food Safety

 »  Council for Responsible Genetics

 »  Food First

 »  Genetic Resources Action International

 »  Genetically Engineered Crops and Pesticide Use in the United States:
     The First Nine Years-a report

 »  Greenpeace’s True Food Network background on GMOs

 »  Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy

 »  Organic Consumers Association

 »  Pesticide Action Network

 »  Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology (RSFTE)

 »  Rural Advancement Foundation International

 »  Third World Network

 »  Union of Concerned Scientists

Union of Concerned Scientists’ article
“ »  Environmental Effects of Genetically Modified Crops: Recent Experiences”


INDUSTRY INFORMATION
 »  Monsanto’s website arguing GM crops are farmers’ preferences


EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
Is Genetically Modified Food Compatible with a Sustainable California?
A Look at the Facts and Uncertainties

On Thursday, September 30th from 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM, Funders for Sustainable Food Systems are holding an in-depth conversation for funders on genetically modified food and its impact on the California food system. This is a great opportunity to learn directly from experts in the field.

Speakers include:
  1. Andrew Kimbrell, Center for Food Safety
  2. Keith Pitts, Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology
  3. Ignacio Chapela, UC Berkeley, Professor of Agroecology
  4. Bryce Lundberg, Lundberg Rice
  5. Renata Brillinger, Californians for GE-Free Agriculture

We hope to address the following questions:
  • What is the current status of GMOs in California?
  • How do concerns regarding GMOs overlap with other issues, including public health, economic health, and economic sustainability?
  • How can funders protect California's food system?

Event Details:
Thursday, Sept. 30th
9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

If you are a funder interested in attending this event, please contact Jessica Brown at (415) 421-4213 x29 or jessica@ceaconsulting.com.

 »  Learn about other issues related to food systems.