cELEBRATE NON-GMO MONTH

Better for people. Better for the planet. Better with the Butterfly.

Non-GMO month is a time to celebrate transparency in our food system, support biodiversity, and protect our genetic inheritance for future generations. The Non-GMO Project believes that everyone has a right to know how their food was grown. As a nonprofit organization, their mission is to provide rigorous product verification and trustworthy education that empowers people to care for themselves, the planet and future generations. ​

What are GMOs?
A GMO, or genetically modified organism, is a plant, animal, or microorganism that has been subjected to biotechnology. Bitotechnology  includes techniques such as using synthetic genetic sequences to change the organism's genetic material (i.e., DNA or RNA), or forcing the combination of very unrelated organisms that would not normally reproduce in nature. GMO developers use biotechnology to alter an organism's fundamental characteristics.

Why back the Butterfly?
Non-GMO Project Verified products are all working towards the common goal – GMO avoidance. But the reasons to support a non-GMO food supply are varied. Here are some of the ways our collective efforts are making a difference:

1. Maintain transparency and choice. Transparency in our food system empowers individuals to make choices that align with their dietary preferences, health requirements and personal beliefs. By supporting informed choice through appropriate labeling, we can encourage food companies to be more transparent about their ingredients, sourcing and production methods. Informed choice in our food system is not simply a matter of personal taste; it's a fundamental right.
   
   
2. Create a meaningful shift toward organic and regenerative. Non-GMO is the first step toward organic and regenerative farming. Non-GMO reduces farmers' dependence on synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals, creating a pathway to better, more holistic systems.
   
   
3. Reduce pesticide use. Over 90% of soy and corn grown in the United States is genetically engineered to withstand weedkillers. Non-GMO crops help farmers exit the pesticide treadmill while supporting clean ecosystems and waterways.
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4. Preserve biodiversity. Protecting nature's genetic diversity helps maintain resilient ecosystems, healthy soil, clean water and abundant wildlife. A non-GMO food system helps to preserve the Earth's biodiversity.
   
   
5. Support non-GMO research and education. The Non-GMO Project is North America’s only organization tracking new GMOs in development. Our dedicated research team follows the latest in the biotech industry, which is growing faster than ever. Our ability to educate millions of people with critical information about GMOs is made possible by our donors.
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6. ​Support food sovereignty. Patented GMO seeds place the world's food resources in the hands of multinational corporations. Agricultural monopolies restrict farmers’ choices and use their immense power to shape policy to their own benefit. We believe farmers have the right to preserve a rich array of genetic resources, maintain diversity that is essential for natural future crop improvement, and build resiliency to changing environmental conditions.
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7. Uphold equity. Genetically engineered crops, agrochemicals, and associated technologies are expensive for farmers, especially smallholder farmers who grow over 70% of the world’s food. By cultivating traditional and locally-adapted crop varieties, these farmers contribute to global agricultural biodiversity. Fostering inclusive and resilient food systems that benefit farmers of all scales and regions is essential to ensuring global food security and sustainability.
   
   
8. Believe in something more than empty promises. Despite biotech food industry claims, there is no evidence that any of the GMOs in widespread commercial production offer meaningful increased yield, drought tolerance or climate resilience. Most of these empty claims are just marketing – and not backed by science.

So, stop on by here at The Whole Wheatery and check out the wide variety of non-GMO products we have to offer and speak with one of our associates and we would love to show you, our faves!