April 6, 2004
The Great Collective Murmur of Mankind... Let's take five with Moira Gunn. This is "Five Minutes."
Angola is now the sixth African nation to reject American-grown agricultural products because they are genetically modified. While at least one nation has a complete ban, Angola objects to intact grains, which could germinate and infiltrate domestic crops. Under the new policy, these same products are acceptable if they arrive already milled.
So what about that ship carrying 19,000 tons of American corn already headed in Angola's direction? You don't have to be a rocket scientist - or even a miller - to figure out that grinding 19,000 tons of corn takes time, money and planning. The immediate impact is that the World Food Program aid destined for Angola has been abruptly cut in half, leaving two million Angolans on short rations.
So much for the common wisdom that "Free Food" always draws a crowd. It turns out "I'd rather starve" is more in line with reality.
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I've been combing the international media for assertions and reactions, advocacy and accusations, and there's the feel of quiet trouble brewing. The most radical voices propose that the United States and the mighty biotech industry are in collusion to find ready markets for ever more massive supplies of genetically modified foods.
Since the United States has accused other African countries of acting irresponsibly with these policies, what might be meant to convey a more fortunate nation's concern for the needy actually comes off as bullying. And despite a dire humanitarian situation, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Lesotho have all taken a firm stand. Lest you think these are maverick states, remember that the European Union itself has placed a moratorium on these products, as well.
While we focus on Europe and Africa - and even Japan - rejecting our farm products, Americans may forget something crucial. When we go down to the local supermarket and pick out 6 ears of corn for our Sunday barbecue, we're buying the very same corn that much of the world doesn't want any part of. The world isn't rejecting our cast-offs. It's rejecting our basic food supply.
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A few weeks ago, the sleepy little county of Mendocino in Northern California voted to ban the growth of genetically modified products within its borders. Bringing together everyone from local growers to health professionals and community governments, Measure H passed with 57% of the vote.
This did not happen without notice. A coalition of biotech concerns funded an assertive $700,000 campaign. In the end, it spent about $60 for every losing vote it mustered, proving that sometimes, no amount of money can make a difference. Mendocino became the first American community to ban growing genetically modified crops by popular vote. And now there are quiet reports from a dozen other counties up and down the state about measures fixin' to do the very same thing.
Look below the surface clash of politics and economics and what you find is the will of the people. And I'm not talking about democracy here. I'm talking about what happens when a whole lot of humans decide to move in a particular direction.
Listen to the great collective murmur of mankind. It just may be that the worm is about to turn. And if it does, no amount of logic, science or advertising will convince people to embrace genetically modified food. The smart money is on companies - and countries - who can learn that simply declaring technology safe is not the same as proving it.
I'm Moira Gunn. This is Five Minutes.
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