Future of the Food-Chain

[Bogie]

Do genetically modified crops require bees for fertilization or have they modified that too ? Bring on the genetically modified bees.

[labelwench]

But here in Australia they're still going strong ....... and we are actually exporting them to you ... and others.

Also honey keeps indefinitely ....... and many keepers store honey rather than money ... lol ... or gold.

Recently, not far from me a very talented beekeeper, was murdered for his honey ... CLICK

Found Guilty.. CLICK

cool bananas ... greg

Funny that you should mention Australian bees.....

Officials at the Australian Embassy in Washington insist that their bees aren't a threat to U.S. beekeepers, though they admit that Australia is facing an invasion of exotic Asian honeybees. Some scientists think the Asian bees might carry different viruses and mites than those carried by the European honeybees in the U.S.

Currently, only bees from Australia , New Zealand and Canada can be imported.


Colony collapse disorder hasn't been seen in Australia , and Australian officials say their bees carry the same pathogens found in bees in the U.S.


As for the Asian bees, the embassy said they've been confined to the northern part of the country, and nests and swarms that are eradicated are tested for various mites and parasites. Nothing unusual has been found. Under new U.S. rules, Australia must certify that the nests of Asian honeybees were at least 100 miles from where the bees packaged for export are raised.

Research is ongoing.....

[labelwench]

This is some of the research that has surfaced in Britain in the past, and may explain their ban on GM foods to date.

Modified Crop Genes 'Jump The Species Barrier'
By AnthonyBarnett
Public Affairs Editor - The Observer

A leading zoologist has found evidence that genes used to modify crops can jump the species barrier and cause bacteria to mutate, prompting fears that GM technology could pose serious health risks.

A four-year study by Professor Hans-Hinrich Kaatz, a respected German zoologist, found that the alien gene used to modify oilseed rape had transferred to bacteria living inside the guts of honey bees.

The research - which has yet to be published and has not been reviewed by fellow scientists - is highly significant because it suggests that all types of bacteria could become contaminated by genes used in genetically modified technology, including those that live inside the human digestive system. If this happened, it could have an impact on the bacteria's vital role in helping the human body fight disease, aid digestion and facilitate blood clotting.

Agriculture Minister Nick Brown, who was yesterday advising farmers who have accidentally grown contaminated GM oilseed rape in Britain to rip up their crops, confirmed the potential significance of Kaatz's research. He said: 'If this is true, then it would be very serious.'

The 47-year-old Kaatz has been reluctant to talk about his research until it has been published in a scientific journal, because he fears a backlash from the scientific community similar to that faced by Dr Arpad Pustzai, who claimed that genetically modified potatoes damaged the stomach lining of rats. Pustzai was sacked and had his work discredited.

But in his first newspaper interview, Kaatz told The Observer: 'It is true, I have found the herbicide-resistant genes in the rapeseed transferred across to the bacteria and yeast inside the intestines of young bees. This happened rarely, but it did happen.' Although Kaatz realised the potential 'significance' of his findings, he said he 'was not surprised' at the results. Asked if this had implications for the bacteria inside the human gut, he said: 'Maybe, but I am not an expert on this.' Dr Mae-Wan Ho, geneticist at Open University and a critic of GM technology, has no doubts about the dangers. She said: 'These findings are very worrying and provide the first real evidence of what many have feared. Everybody is keen to exploit GM technology, but nobody is looking at the risk of horizontal gene transfer.

'We are playing about with genetic structures that existed for millions of years and the experiment is running out of control.' One of the biggest concerns is if the anti-biotic resistant gene used in some GM crops crossed over to bacteria. 'If this happened it would leave us unable to treat major illnesses like meningitis and E coli .'

Kaatz, who works at the respected Institute for Bee Research at the University of Jena in Germany, built nets in a field planted with genetically modified rapeseed produced by AgrEvo. He let the bees fly freely within the net. At the beehives, he installed pollen traps in order to sample the pollen from the bees' hindlegs when entering the hive. This pollen was fed to young honey bees in the laboratory. Pollen is the natural diet of young bees, which need a high protein diet. Kaatz then extracted the intestine of the young bees and discovered that the gene from the GM rape-seed had been transferred in the bee gut to the microbes.

Professor Robert Pickard, director-general of the Institute of the British Nutrition Foundation, is a bee expert as well as being a biologist and has visited the institute where Kaatz works. He said: 'There is no doubt that, if Kaatz's research is substantiated, then it poses very interesting questions and will need to be looked at very closely. 'But it must be remembered that the human body has been coping perfectly well with strange DNA for millions of years. And we also know many people have been eating GM products for years without showing any signs of ill health.' (link to www.rense.com)

Gene transfer to bacteria inside the bees intestine. Maybe that's a contributing factor in their disappearance.

[labelwench]

Honey does not spoil, unless the humidity is raised above 20% which may then allow yeasts to grow, and the honey may ferment. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from the intentional fermenting of honey.

Honey also has many medicinal applications.

In medicine

For at least 2700 years, honey has been used by humans to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained.

Wound gels that contain antibacterial raw honey and have regulatory approval for wound care are now available to help conventional medicine in the battle against drug resistant strains of bacteria MRSA. As an antimicrobial agent honey may have the potential for treating a variety of ailments[51]. One New Zealand researcher says a particular type of honey (Manuka honey) may be useful in treating MRSA infections.[52] Antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect,[53] high acidity,[54] and the antibacterial activity of methylglyoxal.[55]

Honey appears to be effective in killing drug-resistant biofilms which are implicated in chronic rhinosinusitis.[56]
[edit]
Osmotic effect

Honey is primarily a saturated mixture of two monosaccharides. This mixture has a low water activity; most of the water molecules are associated with the sugars and few remain available for microorganisms, so it is a poor environment for their growth. If water is mixed with honey, it loses its low water activity, and therefore no longer possesses this antimicrobial property.
[edit]
Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present in honey. It becomes active only when honey is diluted, requires oxygen to be available for the reaction (thus it may not work under wound dressings, in wound cavities or in the gut), is active only when the acidity of honey is neutralised by body fluids, can be destroyed by the protein-digesting enzymes present in wound fluids, and is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat and light.[55] Honey chelates and deactivates free iron, which would otherwise catalyze the formation of oxygen free radicals from hydrogen peroxide, leading to inflammation. Also, the antioxidant constituents in honey help clean up oxygen free radicals present.[57]
C6H12O6 + H2O + O2 → C6H12O7 + H2O2 (glucose oxidase reaction)

When honey is used topically (as, for example, a wound dressing), hydrogen peroxide is produced by dilution of the honey with body fluids. As a result, hydrogen peroxide is released slowly and acts as an antiseptic.
[edit]
In diabetic ulcers

Topical honey has been used successfully in a comprehensive treatment of diabetic ulcers when the patient cannot use other topical antibiotics.[58]
[edit]
Acidity

The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5.[54] This relatively acidic pH level prevents the growth of many bacteria.
[edit]
Methylglyoxal

The non-peroxide antibiotic activity is due to methylglyoxal (MGO) and an unidentified synergistic component. Most honeys contain very low levels of MGO, but manuka honey contains very high levels. The presence of the synergist in manuka honey more than doubles MGO antibacterial activity.[55]
[edit]
Nutraceutical effects

Antioxidants in honey have even been implicated in reducing the damage done to the colon in colitis.[59] Such claims are consistent with its use in many traditions of folk medicine.[60]

[labelwench]

Do genetically modified crops require bees for fertilization or have they modified that too ? Bring on the genetically modified bees.

Canola and corn are open-pollinating varieties, I believe, and there have been lawsuits brought on by the GM canola cross-pollinating with traditional varieties.

As for GM bees, here is a link that you may find of interest.

http://planetsave.com/blog/blog/2008...apse-disorder/

[Meem]

I am on the side of percausion with GM foods. The thing I have seen/heard that I have the problem with, by far and at large, is what is happening to farmers that have barely been able to hold on to what they have Vs. "Big Agro." The property rights and restrictions/rules that come along with the GM seeds. Farmers having their fields "locked" because seeds they never even planted, blown in by the wind, are (more than likely designed to) taking over fields of crop. PEople show up and say hey, you're not an authorized buyer/producer, pay up or your farm will be under heavy siege.

They dont even have the right to reseed from the crops they grew. From what I understand, they have to buy new seed every year. Did I mention, the GM seeds get blown into non-gm fields and take them over? I mean, artificial butter flavoring is not GM-d, it's just chemical soup, but it was found to be causing lung diesease among other things .... after how many years? God only knows what some GM crop could be found to be the cause of, after so many years.

There is a part of me that says all the people whom are saying we cannot feed the world organicly, or as naturally as possible, say so because they are on the payroll of BigAgro. I still see lots of empty land out there. And we have come a very long way since pitch-forks. I'm sure it's a lot easier to turn "no-good" land into "farmland" these days. But all that kind of stuff cuts into profit margins. The GM products are good for profit margins. Your food has been outsourced, "government contracted" to the cheapest bidder.

I think it's possible that there could someday be "organic-Gm crops," but as a whole, we are seriously way too "green" in the knowledge of genes, to be mixing and eating them, in my opinion. Don't even get me started on "GM" feed beef/chicken/pork/fish. That stuff is pretty wrong.

Honestly though, in my opinion, all this is moot. If our population keeps growing as it has been, and we keep on living the dream ... like we have been, there wont be a reason to contest one food source/method over another, because there will be nobody left to eat it.

Save the roaches, and other bugs.

P.S.
Nanobot-"pesticides" or ...praying-mantis field guards (and pollenators), would be so awesome. Someone should be working on that.

[labelwench]

You raise some very good points, Meem, and the following is in response to the fact that farmers are forced to buy new seed each year. To further 'protect' their investment, the company has also been working toward the design of 'sterile' seed, so that this problem, likewise, can be eliminated by genetic modification.

D. Terminator Technology

¶ 34 Once thought of as part of the commons, genetic information had now become a marketable good.90 Nothing illustrates this shift more than the development of Terminator Technology.

¶ 35 One of the major frustrations for the private seed industry is the perseverance of the seed saving tradition among farmers. Large businesses such as Monsanto now require purchasing farmers to sign contracts that prevent the saving of genetically modified seed.91 However, these contracts only work if farmers abide by them, and enforcement is especially difficult in developing nations.92

¶ 36 One of the most controversial developments in recent years is the biological means to enforce these paper contracts and also to avoid patent limitations: Terminator Technology.93 In 1998, Delta and Pine Land Company (DPL) partnered with the U.S.DA to patent the Technology Protection System ("Terminator" Technology).94 By modifying seeds with certain genes, companies ensure that next generation of seeds self-destructs and is unable to reproduce.95 A few days after the patent was issued, Monsanto bid $1.76 billion to acquire it from DPL, an indication of the high stakes involved with biotechnology patents.96 The international protest from farming, environmental, and development agencies was so great that in 1999, Monsanto said it would not market the Terminator Technology.97 Despite this promising action, a spokesperson for the USDA, a co-developer of the technology, stated that the terminator process was still several years away from being commercially available, indicating that plans for future use remain.98 Other major agriculture businesses in the United States and the United Kingdom are developing their own sterile seeds.99

¶ 37 A Monsanto spokesperson claimed there was no conspiracy by the agriculture industry to create a dependency on seed products and that the technology is simply "a way to protect their [company's] billions of dollars of investment into research on biologically-engineered products."100 Yet, Terminator Technology has brought seed-saving to the forefront of international policy agendas. While businesses espouse the benefits of Terminator Technology by citing, for example, the hope that more innovative and advantageous seeds would be developed and research on staple crops would increase, many international lobbying groups and activists do not see the technology in the same light.101 Critics argue that small farmers will be the most affected by the technology - being least able to afford more expensive seeds on a yearly basis.102 There are also fears that sterile seeds may have a disastrous effect on the global food supply and are a serious problem for developing world farmers, the majority of whom depend on seed saving.103

The above taken from the paper at this link:

http://www.law.northwestern.edu/journals/njtip/v3/n2/4/

I also concede your comment that such discussion may be a moot point. As one historical figure is alleged to have made remark, "Let them eat cake."

[labelwench]

The banana is one of the most commonly known fruits, and available at any supermarket or corner store that I have ever been in, year round, and comparatively inexpensive, when compared to other, more seasonal fruits. It is also one of the fruits which has had considerable effort applied to it's modification.

How many people have eaten GM bananas without ever a second thought, or knowing the facts about their food? Such is my main purpose for pursuing such information.

Do as you will, but preferably be informed in the doing.

GM bananas premiere in Australia

(26 March 2010) After a year of growth in far north Queensland, the first Australian GM bananas genetically modified to contain increased levels of pro-vitamin A and iron have been picked and tested.

Planted in the South Johnstone area of Queensland, the GM bananas were part of a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation project to address mineral and vitamin deficiencies in human nutrition is East Africa.

As a collaborative effort between the Austrailan Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and the Ugandan National Agriculture Research Organisation (NARO). Genes developed in Australia are placed into varieties of East African banana.

Participating scientists from both institutions have expressed excitement over the first results. At least one combination of genes is said to be "working really well for pro-vitamin A", according to Professor James Dale from the QUT. The accumulation of iron in the fruit will be the subject of the next assessment.

Professor Dale and Professor Wilberforce Tushemereirwe from NARO have both raised the possibility of micro-nutrient-enriched bananas reaching East African tables within five years.

Another link on the GM bananas above.

http://gmo-journal.com/index.php/201...-in-australia/

[labelwench]

The following two links are intended to inform Canadians on the methods and designations of approval that have been taken to date in this country.

The second link lists all of the 'Novel Foods' as they have been deemed, that are currently approved for sale in this country.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/index-eng.php

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm.../index-eng.php

[labelwench]

The following taken from the Canadian Produce Marketing Association page at this link.

Perhaps those 'mutant' strawberries of unheralded longevity that I encountered a year ago were just an unusual circumstance. I accept that possibility, first time ever encountered by me. Allowing for time from field to store, then two weeks in my fridge, and no mold.....still seems odd.....

To our knowledge, there are currently no genetically engineered fresh fruit or vegetables available for sale to consumers. If there were genetically engineered fresh fruit or vegetables at the retail level, they would be approved by Health Canada and would be safe for consumers. Two examples of genetically engineered fresh produce are the NewLeaf potatoes, which are resistant to the Colorado Potato Beetle and the FLVR SVR tomato, which has an increased ripening time. Both of these products were reviewed and approved by Health Canada who concluded that both of these products are as safe and nutritious as other commercially available potatoes and tomatoes.

In Canada, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) share the responsibilities for the safety of novel foods developed using agricultural biotechnology. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada addresses issues with growing fresh fruits and vegetables developed using biotechnology.

Before a product is approved in Canada, both Health Canada and the CFIA determine the safety or potential risks to human, plant and animal health and the environment. The organization applying for approval collects the data for the government's team of scientific experts. All assessments are performed on a case by case basis, and only products judged to be as safe as their traditional counterparts, are approved. The goal is to maximize the benefits while minimizing the risks. For a list of currently approved novel foods, please click this link http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/appro/index_e.html

Mandatory labelling responsibility is shared by Health Canada and CFIA, and is required to indicate when safety concerns such as allergenicity and compositional or nutritional changes are identified for all foods including genetically modified foods. If a food derived from biotechnology is assessed and determined as being safe, with no allergens, compositional, or nutritional changes, it does not have to be labelled as there are not any food safety or human safety issues. Voluntary labelling of foods derived from biotechnology is permitted under current legislation as an option for food companies to meet marketplace demands.

Food biotechnology has the ability to solve hunger and malnutrition issues, improve crop yields and reduce chemical usage. However, there are challenges such as environmental, human health and economic concerns which need to be addressed. As biotechnology develops, the government and concerned stakeholders continue to play an active role in the international forum to ensure that the biotechnology regulations are appropriate for Canadians.

http://www.cpma.ca/en_gov_biotech_factsheet.asp