Are GMO-Free Cheerios the First Domino? - Forbes

[Jesus Malverde]

Activists are trumpeting General Mills’ decision to remove GMOs from Cheerios as a watershed moment. It is; but not for the reason that they believe.

The move was relatively easy and inexpensive. Cheerios are primarily oats, and there are no GMO oats. The comparatively small amounts of sugar and cornstarch in the mix required nothing more than a switch from beet sugar to non-GMO sources. At the same time, Cheerios popularity among parents transitioning their children to solid food leaves the product more vulnerable to activist attacks, and in turn justifies a modest investment that might provide a slight marketing boost and a modicum of brand protection.

Add the ubiquitous use of GMOs today (they are found in as much as 80 percent of the processed foods we eat) – and the degree of difficulty in removing them from just about every other product on the shelves – and it’s hard to see Cheerios as a domino or test case. But it isn’t the proverbial tree falling in a forest either. When we shift the focus from General Mills motivations to the timing of its decision, we see why every food manufacturer ought to be taking notice, whether another brand-name kitchen table staple goes non-GMO or not.

With activists applying pressure, GMO-labeling initiatives on state ballots, and regulators mulling changes to federal labeling rules that will govern food and beverage marketing for years to come, there is no more important time to for the industry to present a united front. As such, a number of industry insiders are scratching their heads as to why General Mills broke ranks at this critical moment – even if it only extended a pinky toe over the line.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/richardlevick/2014/01/09/are-gmo-free-cheerios-the-first-domino/


Anti-GMO Consumers Won't Forgive Cheerios - Cheerios Finally Responds

[Voice for Peace]

1. Farmers abandoning GMO seeds?

http://www.cornucopia.org/2014/01/farmers-abandoning-gmo-seeds-reason-will-surprise/

A growing number of farmers are abandoning genetically modified seeds, but it’s not because they are ideologically opposed to the industry. Simply put, they say non-GMO crops are more productive and profitable.
...

The re-converts to non-GMO seeds are not hippies but conservative Midwestern farmers who are making a business decision, Modern Farmer discovered. They are switching back to natural seed because it is more profitable — not because of any ideology.

“Five years ago the GMO seeds worked,” said farmer Christ Huegerich, who along with his father planted GMO seeds. “I didn’t have corn rootworm because of the Bt gene, and I used less pesticide. Now, the worms are adjusting, and the weeds are resistant. Mother Nature adapts.”

much more at link.

[Jesus Malverde]

2. great read...thanks..nt

[Cha]

4. Mahalo, VfP~

[HuckleB]

7. Alas, that's an anti-GMO propaganda site.

You're not likely to get good information there.

Here's a reality check:

Overwhelming number of farmers favour the use of GE crops
http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Overwhelming+number+farmers+favour+crops/9427898/story.html

[Cha]

3. Wow.. this is pretty good news for its obvious

implications! I only shop in stores that have GMO through it and don't eat Cheerios anymore but I'm really happy about this and I know Monsanto types are freaking livid.

"Are GMO-Free Cheerios the First Domino?" I like the sound of that!

May it be an enduring trend. Gracias Jesus

[HuckleB]

8. Why?

[Harmony Blue]

5. This is a big step for the United States

but we are always trailing the rest of the world because of our supposed superiority makes us overconfident and slow footed to take action.

[Lunacee_2013]

6. K&R nt.

[Cha]

9. Kick!