I want to take an opportunity (though it has taken me a long time to do so) to highlight an event that happened on Friday, October 20, in Washington, DC.
Some pretty well known anti-GMO protesters took to the streets of our nation’s capital to protest, among other things, biotechnology. Part of this protest also included demonstrating against the Safe & Accurate Food Labeling Act. Of course, the rhetoric included the same, old tired lies about GMOs being dangerous, Monsanto being all powerful, and something about being a science experiment. Thankfully, some of our friends at March Against Myths wanted to make a presence and stand up in support of GMOs and provide a counter to the nonsense.
And so they did.
Counter-protestors showed up for a Biotech for Food Justice March instead. They handed out pro-GMO materials, spoke with people passing by, and provided a balance to the anti-GMO messages. I’m not sure how often this has happened before, but the good guys finally had a presence! Members of Team Ag will remember that I sent an email out asking for support of this endeavor. I’m very happy to report that it paid off!
In addition to providing a positive source of information, those attending also held a candlelight vigil in honor of the children in the world that are needlessly suffering blindness from a Vitamin A deficiency. A reference to Golden Rice, the rice that was genetically modified to contain additional Vitamin A, which would prevent the blindness of countless children in India that has been blocked by anti-GMO activists. You can sign a petition supporting this endeavor here.
A big thank you to the pro-GMO folks that went out and represented our side at this rally! A lot of farmers are in the field right now, and even if the season were better, most of us aren’t located anywhere near our nation’s capital. It’s nice to know we have allies that are willing to show up and support the modern production methods that make our jobs of providing safe, quality food a whole lot easier!
I also want to make sure I share my appreciation and gratitude toward all the members of Team Ag that supported this endeavor financially. Not to sound cheesy, but it literally made my heart swell with pride to see donations from Team Ag members (yes, I recognize some of your names…). It is one thing to fill out a form online, it’s another to break out your wallet and support a cause like this. It gives me hope that despite all the adversity we face, we at least stand a fighting chance.
Thank you.
