The Religious Society of Friends in
Minute 2003-84
The Minute on Genetically Modified Food which was forwarded to Sessions by the Young Adult Friends was considered. Friends approved the following minute:
Minute on Genetically
Modified Food
There is a growing concern about the increasingly widespread use of genetically engineered foods.
In 2001 over 85 million acres of genetically modified soybeans, corn, canola, and cotton were grown in the United States¹. Greater than sixty percent of processed foods are likely to contain genetically modified ingredients¹.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reports that there is enough food produced to feed the world one and a half times over¹. The problem of world hunger is related to food access, distribution, and other social and economic factors¹. We believe that genetically engineered crops will worsen this situation. Farmers are often unable to reseed genetically engineered crops due to licensing agreements and single-generation seeds, impairing peoples’ ability to feed themselves¹.
Research suggests that genetically engineered foods may pose health risks to humans including immune system effects, allergic sensitivities, and changes in organ development².
We discourage use of genetically engineered organisms. We urge Friends to contact our legislators to call for legislation to require the mandatory labeling of all genetically engineered products.
¹ Questioning Genetic Engineering: an overview of the impacts and history of biotechnology. Institute for Social Ecology Biotechnology Project 802/454-7138 or www.neRAGE.org
² Why do Massachusetts Organic Growers Oppose Genetic Engineering? NOFA/Mass, 978/355-2853 or www.massorganic.org
o Sources for education: www.monsanto.com/monsanto/layout/sci_tech/ag_biotech/biosafety.asp & www.organicconsumers.org/monlink.html
Friends asked
representatives to the upcoming FWCC triennial to take this minute to share as
a concern of our Yearly Meeting.