The Farmer's Daughter USA

Hi, I'm Amanda! My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm also a practicing attorney.

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I’m a Millennial and I’m Not Impressed with FAGE’s Anti-GMO Commercial

June 4, 2018

The yogurt brand FAGE has a new television commercial airing in the United States, and it aims to please Millennials with its brand new non-GMO verification.

The commercial (which you can view here) features a young woman enjoying her yogurt on the couch. An unidentified voice tells her that FAGE is now verified by The Non-GMO Project. The woman guesses the company did it to appeal to Millennials, but the voice corrects her by saying: “we did it because it feels right.”

Hey FAGE, I’m a Millennial and I’m not impressed. Nor is sourcing non-GMO ingredients the right thing to do.

Disappointed in the @FAGEUSA commercial about non-GMO verification. You didn’t impress this #Millennial and I won’t be buying your products.

— Farmers Daughter (@farmdaughterusa) June 2, 2018

It is true that Millennials are not necessarily looking for the same things as older generations. We value convenience, experience, and meaning, including in our food choices. However, The Non-GMO Project and an anti-GMO mentality are not the way to win us over.

We want food that has a good story behind it. GMOs make a great story – the latest technology being used in a way to support the rich history of family farms across our country, and help solve some of our toughest problems. Family farmers choose to grow GMOs because they increase yields, increase efficiency, and increase profits. They’re also better for the environment and use less resources. They help us be good stewards of the land so we can pass it on to the next generation. Genetically modified foods put green technology to use for the benefit of farmers, consumers, and our world.

We want food we can feel good about purchasing. GMOs are the feel good food of this generation. Arctic Apples don’t brown when they’re cut, which means they can be cut and prepared ahead of time and cut down on food waste. Crops with the Bt trait are protected from some of the most destructive insects, so farmers don’t have to apply insecticide. Round-Up Ready crops allow farmers to utilize more soil-friendly production methods, like no-till and cover crops, which also works to curb greenhouse gas emissions. We’re able to grow more affordable food, so that we can meet food demands and keep pace with a growing population. These are the stories that will speak to Millennials.

The same GMOs that reduce food waste and help us grow more food affordably speak to Millennials who value convenience.

Above all else, we also know that GMOs are safe for human consumption. There is no difference between a GMO and its non-GMO counterpart. Putting the little butterfly on your yogurt makes no actual difference to the product itself. Instead, it signifies that your yogurt is being made while foregoing the benefits that biotechnology gives us.

That isn’t right; that’s really, really bad!

That decision is bad for the environment, bad for science, bad for farmers, bad for the future, and bad for consumers. In all honesty, you should be embarrassed that you’ve made this decision. You should be embarrassed that you’re trying to bamboozle Millennials (or any consumers) into believing you’re making a better yogurt, when you aren’t. You should be ashamed that you’ve bought into a marketing concept that preys on fears and misinformation, instead of relying on potential for the future.

That little butterfly on your yogurt cups now means I will no longer purchase them. I have no interest in turning my back on science and agriculture and sustainability. I will encourage others to do the same, and I hope you will reconsider this path.

[Note: Interestingly, FAGE has disabled comments on their YouTube channel for this commercial. However, I think they need to know how consumers feel about their decision. Consider leaving a comment on their Facebook page or their Twitter account.]

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Filed Under: Biotechnology, Labeling

Comments

  1. Phil McArdle says

    June 4, 2018 at 5:29 pm

    Thank you!!

  2. Kristin says

    June 5, 2018 at 10:09 am

    Thank you for making a post about this – I probably wouldn’t have noticed the new label on my own for quite a while. I’m so disappointed, because I eat Fage for breakfast every day! Time to find a new brand of yogurt. I posted my angry 2 cents on their latest Facebook post…

Hi, I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney and I'm passionate about agriculture!

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thefarmersdaughterusa

I'm Amanda. My family farms corn and soybeans in Southwest Michigan. I'm an attorney by day, and "agvocate" at night.

Amanda Zaluckyj
Some of the #soybeans are starting to turn--finall Some of the #soybeans are starting to turn--finally!
Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. I took Green soybeans as far as the eye can see. 

I took this photo over the weekend. These beans should be turning yellow and drying for harvest. So why aren't they? Because...the spring drought.

Seeds need water to germinate. But after we planted we didn't have rain for weeks. So those seeds just sat in the dirt and never sprouted. Then, finally, it rained. And the tiny plants started popping up.

The problem? It was several weeks too late for planting. The question is whether they'll be ready to harvest before the snow flies. We have shorter seasons in Michigan, so it'll be close.
Sunsets on the #farm are the best. 😍 Sunsets on the #farm are the best. 😍
💜💜 💜💜
Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purch Don't let anyone make you feel bad about not purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables. It all counts.

#modernagriculture #foodproduction #usfarmers #usagriculture #usfarms #food #knowyourfarmer #knowyourfood #modernag #farms #sustainableagriclture #sustainablefarming
I visited one of my favorite local farm stands ove I visited one of my favorite local farm stands over the weekend. I thought I'd buy a couple zucchini and cantaloupe. But the zucchini looked more like clubs, and the cantaloupe was too ripe for my taste. So I passed on those and bought some tomatoes that maybe cost more than I would have preferred.

But you know what I didn't do? I didn't complain about the zucchinis' size. I didn't fuss about the melons' ripeness. I didn't criticize the tomatoes' price. Instead, I smiled at the lovely lady and made small talk as I paid and went about my day. 

Why? Because I remember what it was like being out by the side of the road hot day after hot day. I know that we all poured everything we had into that produce. I remember how defeating it felt when some criticized it. I know that the price is probably around market value, even if it's cheaper in the grocery store. And I know that the farm family behind that cash register is giving everything they have to chase a dream.

I won't be the one to rain on their parade. 

#Respect
Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa! #nationaldogda Happy #nationaldogday from Mischa!

#nationaldogday🐶 
#pittiemix 
#blacklab 
#mischa
Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. Mischa and I are home on the farm for the weekend. And we're loving it.
It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all It isn't one or the other. Farmers care about all of it.

#agriculture #farming #sustainablefarming #sustainability
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