Strange Science in Our Island Farmlands

Corn modified with genes from jellyfish or hepatitis virus? Rice, corn, and sugarcane made with human genes? Does this sound like science fiction? Guess again! The State of Hawaii has actually granted permits for field trials of these genetically altered crops, according to Hawaii SEED, a statewide non-profit coalition that addresses the issues and risks of genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) in Hawaii. Disturbingly, our islands have more open-field, experimental GMO agriculture than any other state in the nation.

The technology is known by many names – genetic engineering (GE), bioengineering, biotechnology, biopharming, genetically modified organisms, transgenic organisms – and this is how it works: All plants and animals are made of cells that contain DNA inherited from the parents. Short sequences of DNA are called genes. GMOs are created in a laboratory by inserting the genes of one organism into the DNA of another, breaching the natural breeding barrier between species in order to create plants and animals with new traits. The technology is imprecise, however, and altering DNA can produce side effects that are impossible to predict or control. For food consumers, the concerns range from changes in nutritional value to the creation of new allergens or toxins. For farmers, the risks are liability for crop contamination, loss of markets, high costs of testing, and loss of seed variety. For our islands and our planet, the danger is that inadequate containment may allow GMOs to enter food chains and ecosystems, causing irreparable harm.

In its mission to “promote diverse, local, healthy and ecological food and farming that supports real food security for the Hawaiian Islands,” Hawaii SEED has successfully worked with Native Hawaiians and taro farmers to stop the University of Hawaii from genetically engineering taro; initiated a GMO papaya cleanup campaign that gives farmers and gardeners support and solutions to GMOs; teamed with Earthjustice to prevent introduction of biopharm algae; guided an anti-GMO agreement in the Hawaii coffee industry; sponsored non-GMO seed exchanges; and produced "Facing Hawaii's Future," an educational book explaining the issue of GMOs in the Hawaiian Islands.

What you can do:

• Become informed. Visit www.hawaiiseed.org and www.truefoodnow.org to learn more about GMO concerns. Read “Facing Hawaii's Future” from Hawaii SEED.
• Contact your state legislators. Type ‘genetically modified’ into the text search at www.capitol.hawaii.gov/site1/docs/status/status.asp for current bill status in the 2009 Hawaii State Legislature. Call, write, or testify to make your voice heard.
• Don’t grow GE plants. Test papaya trees and remove those that are contaminated.
• Dispose of papaya seeds carefully so they can’t grow. Contact Hawaii SEED at 808-331-1211 for papaya GMO test kits and for other farm or garden assistance.
• Shop Down to Earth for GMO-free papayas and avoid GMOs by buying organic.