By Theodora Filis On February 10, 2011, Miriam E. Sapiro, Deputy US Trade Representative, urged the European Commission to break its longstanding impasse blocking genetically modified foods. For the US, genetically modified (GM) seeds offer huge financial benefits over traditional seeds because GM seeds are patented, therefore, making it illegal for a farmer to retain seed from this year's crop to plant next year. "When Europeans come to the United States, they come and enjoy our cuisine with no concerns whatsoever," Sapiro said ahead of talks with European Union trade commissioner Karel De Gucht. A key component of the US plan to dominate world agriculture with GM seeds is the absence of labeling of GM foods. All US foods must carry labels listing the ingredients: salt, sugar, water, vitamins, additives, etc. However, the FDA, USDA, and EPA, have ruled that GM foods deserve an exception. They can be sold without being labeled "genetically modified.&qu
It is imperative we all pay attention to the impact of our collective and personal actions on the environment. During the next decade, our global community will be unable to deal effectively with the formidable environmental challenges posed by decades of environmental mismanagement. There are many environmental issues I write about in this blog, some will scare you, and it is my hope, these articles will give you a reason to question and search for answers.