Are non-GMO seeds better?
Gardening organically with non-GMO seeds is always a better choice. Heirloom seeds, even without an organic label, are mostly chemical-free. Seeds are the starting point of any garden – their DNA determines the size and the quality of the produce that you will be receiving. Heirlooms are seed varieties that are at least 50 years old, and you can save these seeds and plant them year after year. Heirlooms are never hybrids or GMOs. Hybrids are crosses of heirloom varieties. If you save hybrid seeds, you won’t get what you expect.Heirloom seeds are a favorite among organic gardeners for their history, flavor, and resilience. These seeds are passed down through generations, often selected for their unique traits, such as superior taste or adaptability to specific climates.
How to tell if seeds are non-GMO?
Non-GMO Project Verified: Look for the Non-GMO Project seal on products, which indicates they meet certain standards. Remember that non-GMO is not the same or Certified Organic. To avoid pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers, always buy Certified Organic. The use of genetic engineering, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs), is prohibited in organic products. This means an organic farmer can’t plant GMO seeds, an organic cow can’t eat GMO alfalfa or corn, and an organic soup producer can’t use any GMO ingredients.While GMO crops make farming much easier, there is some concern about their potential effect on the environment and their safety for human consumption, particularly surrounding illnesses and allergies.The fundamental difference between organic and non-GMO foods is the absence of genetically modified material. Otherwise, they are quite similar. At the end of the day, the choice between them lies in the hands of the consumer. Organic is without a doubt the wisest and safest choice.Organic production excludes the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Non-GMO Project Verified is a single-issue certification that focuses solely on GMOs. Our definition of GMOs is adapted from an international treaty on biosafety.
How to identify GMO seeds?
HOW ARE GMOs DETECTED? Most often GM plants and their seeds do not bear visible traits to distinguish them from their non-GM counterparts. Biochemical tests are used to detect the modified gene (transgene) introduced into a GMO or its protein product. GMO seeds are most often sold to commercial farmers for the growth of soybeans and corn and not stores where gardeners purchase their seeds from. For the most part, if you buy a seed packet from the store or online it is naturally going to be a non-GMO seed.
Is it better to buy non-GMO or organic?
Since you cant be sure non-GMO foods are always organic, its a much safer bet to shop organic. Then you can be reasonably certain that most of your organic foods will also be free of GMOs as well. Look for the USDA Certified Organic label. The fundamental difference between organic and non-GMO foods is the absence of genetically modified material. Otherwise, they are quite similar. At the end of the day, the choice between them lies in the hands of the consumer. Organic is without a doubt the wisest and safest choice.