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 How can a farmer make the
best choice?
One place to begin is through definitions to understand the
distinctions and benefits of each seed category.
Greg Peterson in “GMO, Hybrid & Heirloom Seeds — Just What is the
Difference?” says heirloom seeds “have been passed from generation
to generation and have stayed true to their ancestral roots by
consistently producing the same offspring. This results in plants
that genetically are hundreds, or thousands of years old, each
developing a resistance to the diseases and pests with which it
evolved. When this type of seed is planted and allowed to grow and
go to seed again, it will always produce the same plant.”
Because of resistance, heirloom seed can thrive in less than ideal
environments and harsh weather.
Another type plant that fares well in less than ideal weather comes
from hybrid seeds, which are produced from cross-pollinating two
different plants. For agriculture production use, plants are bred
for the best traits seed that tend to be drought resistant and need
fewer pesticides. Yields are also generally good due to the
pollination.
Though they share characteristics with the “parent plants,” they
will not be identical or even look like the parent plants.
There are advantages in producing new plant varieties. Kristin
Michaelis says, “Farmers and gardeners have been cultivating new
plant varieties for thousands of years through selective breeding.
They did this by cross-pollinating two different, but related plants
over 6 to 10 plant generations, eventually creating a new plant
variety.”
Michaelis says, “The process required patience, but was rewarding.
By selectively cross-pollinating related plants in this way, farmers
could create varieties that were healthier and stood up to the
farmer’s micro-climate — their soil, their weather patterns, their
predatory insects.”
Those who want to avoid chemical exposure may use organic seeds,
which the maximum yield site says, “come from plants grown strictly
without the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The use of
sewage sludge, irradiation, and genetic engineering is also
prohibited in organic seed harvesting.” The USDA has certain
standards that must be followed when using these seeds.
The United Soybean Board says, “Gene editing is an example of plant
breeding innovation that allows plant scientists and breeders to
precisely make specific changes to a plant’s DNA using a plant’s own
internal processes.” Working with the genetic makeup of the plant
creates a new seed variation.
Gene edited seeds can also thrive in challenging weather conditions
and grow well despite pests.
Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are created in a lab using
biotechnology and gene-splicing of favorable genes to get desired
traits. Sources show that many tests are conducted to help ensure
their safety.
Like hybrids, GMO plants may be drought tolerant. They endure hotter
and colder temperatures, often have good crop yields, and are
considered sustainable.
There is need for regulation, though.
In the article “GMOs — Top
five concerns for family farmers,” Farm Aid calls for:
-
Fair and affordable access
to seeds and the right for farmers to save seeds.
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Increased funding for
public plant and animal breeding to develop locally and
regionally adapted seed and breed varieties.
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Antitrust enforcement in
the highly concentrated private seed sector.
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Biotech companies to be
held accountable for GMO contamination.
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Stronger independent
review and oversight of GMO crops and animals prior to their
approval and following their release into the environment and
marketplace.
[to top of second column] |
 There are some fears about
possible toxins in GMOs. However, the Food and Drug Administration,
in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and
Environmental Protection Agency, regulates genetically enhanced
crops and found that foods from GMO plant varieties are as safe as
comparable non-GMO foods. Organic foods — which are not derived from
GMOs — are regulated by USDA and labeled “USDA organic.”
One question to consider is whether there are reasons to use GMO
seed when you can get the same drought resistant traits using
hybrids.
Another consideration for using legacy seeds is that foreign markets
may reject GMOs due to concerns over the herbicides and pesticides
used on them.
Beyond the environment interests, why would a producer choose to
plant a specialty; legacy, organic or non-gmo seed crop?
For its higher premium edge in turning a profit.
Here are some comments and figures from the National Weekly Non-GMO/GE
Grain Report on March 8, 2019:
Compared to last week: Demand is very good with moderate trade.
Grower bids for corn and soybeans were steady. The Agricultural
Marketing Service AMS closing cash grain bids for non-gmo corn
ranged from $3.55 - $3.70 and non-gmo soybeans $8.41 - $8.50 per
bushel.
Comparing the Chicago open grains market on March 12th, corn was
selling $3.21 to $3.42 per bu. and soybeans were $8.51 to $8.53 per
bu.
Which seed should you use? Your decision will reflect your
priorities and how you want to farm. It is a whole handling system
difference getting premium value added crops market.
If you put your highest value on cost savings, heirloom seeds may
your best choice. If you are looking for seeds that can thrive in
challenging weather, heirlooms and hybrids would be a good choice.
If you want to use “natural methods,” heirloom and hybrid seeds are
better choices. If you want to avoid using pesticides, consider
using organic seeds. You have the opportunity to personalize seed
choices to your own preferences and values.
References and related links:
Farm Aid: “GMOs — Top five
concerns for family farmers.”
Michaelis, Kristin - “Hybrid
Seeds vs. GMOS.” Food Renegade.
“Organic Seed.” Maximum Yield.
Peterson, Greg - "GMO,
Hybrid & Heirloom Seeds—Just What is the Difference?"
Feb 2015
U.S. Soybean Board: “Six
Essential Plant Breeding Questions Answered."
Feb 2018
Wyant, Sara - “Confused
about GMO, non-GMO, or organic? You are not alone.”
May 2016
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