'Seed freedom is the answer to hunger and malnutrition'

We must resist seed monopolies of corporates, they harm us all, writes biodiversity campaigner Vandana Shiva • Vandana Shiva will be speaking at the Resurgence & Ecologist Festival of Wellbeing on 12 October 2013What happens to the seed affects the web of life. When seed is living, regenerative and diverse, it feeds pollinators, soil organisms and animals - including humans. When seed is non-renewable, bred for chemicals, or genetically engineered with toxic Bt or Roundup Ready genes, diversity disappears.In recent years, beekeepers have been losing 25% of their hives each winter. According to a scientific study in 2008, bees and pollinators contribute more than €153bn annually to agriculture. Chemically-farmed soils, sprayed with herbicides and pesticides kill the beneficial organisms that create soil fertility and protect plants.Organic seeds and organic farming do not just protect human health; they protect the health and wellbeing of all.The rise of monoculturesWith industrial seeds and industrial agriculture, the diversity of plants and crops disappears. India had 200,000 rice varieties before the "green revolution" in the 1970s, which relied on pesticides and fertilisers to avert famine in India. This diversity was replaced by monocultures.Today the fastest expanse in acreage is of genetically engineered corn and soya, because they are patented and corporations can collect royalties from farmers. When seed freedom disappears and farmers become dependent on GMO seeds...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Tags: Blogposts Farming Guardian Professional Biodiversity Food security GM Sustainability Guardian sustainable business Global development Conservation Health and wellbeing Agriculture Source Type: news