How to Avoid Genetically Modified Fruits and Vegetables

Produce described a "Genetically Modified" or "Genetically Engineered" means that scientists have manipulated Mother Nature’s original design of that food item. For example: scientists moved DNA from a tomato plant that doesn’t bruise easily into another tomato plant species that produces fruit that is juicy and ripens quickly. The result is a tomato species that produces juicy fruit quickly and ships well. Genetic modification and engineering is also used to create disease-resistant plants. Traditional farming depletes the soil, leaving plants starving for micronutrients and susceptible to disease and insects. Natural food farmers (those using sustainable and/or pesticide- and fertilizer-free farming methods) argue that good, nutrient-rich soil produces disease-resistant plants that are not starving for micronutrients and susceptible to disease and insects. Here's some ideas on how to avoid purchasing genetically modified/engineered produce.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Read the PLU labels. If the five digit PLU number starts with “8,” the food is either genetically modified or genetically engineered. Don’t buy it. Please note that all fruit has a four digit PLU code. This number tells you what kind of fruit it is. If the PLU code has five numbers, the first number represents either organic (8) or genetically modified (9).
2. Shop at natural food stores. Shopping at a natural or organic food store does not eliminate the possibility of purchasing genetically modified food, although it does increase the possibility of having a wider variety of non-genetically modified fruits and vegetables.
3. Purchase a share of a Community Support Agriculture (CSA). Basically, a CSA share is purchasing a portion of a farmer’s harvest. The farmer provides you with a basket full of fruits and vegetables every week. Sometimes, CSA can also offer raw milk and fresh eggs. Some farmers, like those at Common Good Farms in Nebraska, refuse to grow genetically modified fruit and vegetables. Be sure to ask your farmer before you purchase the share!
4. Buy direct from the farmer. You can ask the farmer at your local farmer’s market if they grow non-GMO produce. If they don’t know, don’t buy. Be aware that most seeds and plants out there today are genetically modified or engineered.
5. Grow your own produce. Look in the seed catalog or on the package for the “Non-GMO” label. If there is no label, you can assume that the seed or plant is genetically modified. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company and Seed Savers Exchange have an excellent selection of non-GMO seeds, as well as a beautiful array of heirloom varieties.