General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Regulators Discover a Hidden Viral Gene in Commercial GMO Crops - January 21, 2013 [View all]farminator3000
(2,117 posts)Recognition (wiki)
In 1993, Vandana received the Right Livelihood Award "...For placing women and ecology at the heart of modern development discourse."[15] Other awards she has received include the Global 500 Award of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1993,[16] and the Earth Day International Award of the United Nations (UN) for her dedicated commitment to the preservation of the planet as demonstrated by her actions, leadership and by setting an example for the rest of the world.
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Vandana Shiva on the Problem with Genetically Modified Seeds
July 13, 2012
Bill (Moyers, that renown purveyor of woo)talks to scientist and philosopher Vandana Shiva, whos become a rock star in the global battle over genetically modified seeds. These seeds considered intellectual property by the big companies who own the patents are globally marketed to monopolize food production and profits. Opponents challenge the safety of genetically modified seeds, claiming they also harm the environment, are more costly, and leave local farmers deep in debt as well as dependent on suppliers. Shiva, who founded a movement in India to promote native seeds, links genetic tinkering to problems in our ecology, economy, and humanity, and sees this as the latest battleground in the war on Planet Earth.
http://billmoyers.com/segment/vandana-shiva-on-the-problem-with-genetically-modified-seeds/
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http://honoluluweekly.com/cover/2013/01/food-as-weapon-2/
I have followed Gandhis footsteps of Swaraj, self rule, and Satyagraha, the force of truth and the refusal to obey unjust laws, she explains. We have practiced seed satyagraha, the refusal to obey patent laws on seed, since seed is not an invention, and seed monopolies are immoral and unethical.
The biggest myth
Shiva wishes to dispel the misconception that industrial agriculture produces more food. In reality, Industrial agriculture promotes monocultures, which are nutritionally impoverished, she says. Monocultures (growing a single crop every year on the same land without rotation) and GE crops use 10 times more water than ecological agriculture, and are the single biggest reason for the water crisis, according to Shiva. She adds that genetic engineering has not increased the yield of a single crop.