Misinformation abounds about GMOs
H. Hakoda’s Oct. 18 letter to West Hawaii Today is another example of misinformation on the benefits of genetically modified organism technology.
The “miracle” rice developed by Baron Goto, decades ago, that fed growing populations in the Pacific was not genetically engineered. Those varieties of rice were hybrids — hybridized through traditional plant breeding. These super hybrids became the engine of “The Green Revolution.” Used in conjunction with mechanized land preparation, chemical fertilizers and copious amounts of chemical pesticides, they produced record yields for that time. Unfortunately, or fortunately, their benefits have not lasted. Good soils that had been managed and farmed well for hundreds of years were laid waste by practices not beneficial to soil health. We look back now and see that “they” are still talking about “feeding the world.”
Mr. Hakoda goes on to say that GMO technology has saved the papaya industry in Hawaii. Frankly, the papaya industry needs to die the same death as the “green revolution.” The problems this industry faces now are of its own making, no GMO, chemical, or new technology will save it. The solution is in the way the people in the industry view the importance of soil health and care.
If you want real food that is nutrient rich and safe you need to start with the soil. Healthy soil equals healthy people equals a healthy industry.
Frankly those were not the dark ages, these are. The information Mr. Hakoda references comes from sources that have dollars as the bottom line. Agriculture that has soil health as its foundation will see ever increasing value.
Seizen Bonk
Kozen Farm
Waimea