Posted on 02/03/2015 2:05:59 PM PST by Theoria
Last spring, for the first time in 20 years, Indiana farmer Jim Benham planted his fields entirely with soybean seeds that hadn’t been genetically modified to withstand herbicides.
It wasn’t because the 63-year-old suddenly had embraced the anti-GMO movement. Instead, he was drawn to a nearly 14% per-bushel premium for non-GMO soybeans offered by a local grain terminal, which sells them to Asian feed processors.
Mr. Benham is among a small but growing number of Midwestern farmers moving away from biotech seeds developed by Monsanto Co. , DuPont Co. and other companies in response to lower crop prices over the past two years that have slashed farm profits.
More U.S. consumers are seeking out non-GMO foods, which proponents perceive as healthier and friendlier to the environment. Retail sales of GMO-free cereal, salad dressing, eggs and other food products increased 15% to $9.6 billion last year, among the fastest-growing U.S. food segments, according to market-research firm Nielsen NV. Nielsen sharply increased its non-GMO food sales estimate last year after incorporating a broader range of products and stores.
Fueling the trend are packaged-food companies such as General Mills Inc. and Post Holdings Inc. that have moved to strip genetically modified ingredients from some products.
Food companies pay extra for non-GMO grain and oilseeds due to the relatively small supply and the cost of separating those crops from the genetically modified versions that dominate the U.S. Farm Belt.
“I was profitable because I made the switch,” said Mr. Benham, who farms near Versailles, Ind. “In our business margins are so critical that we chase a dollar anytime we can.”
(Excerpt) Read more at wsj.com ...
I’m about to place my rareseeds.com order. I’m itching to dig in the dirt.
That said, there will be niche for non-GM and/or organic producers as long as foodie cults perpetuate their luddite mythologies. Farmers will grow what their consumers want to buy, and if people are willing to pay the premium, fine. All the biotech companies also produce non-GM seeds as well, so in the end, the foodies will probably be eating Monsanto, Pioneer, Syngenta, Dow, etc. varieties anyhow. But don't tell them that, lest their heads explode.
I’m with you. I order from Seeds of Change online. organic heritage seeds for our garden.
“the foodies will probably be eating Monsanto, Pioneer, Syngenta, Dow, etc. varieties anyhow. But don’t tell them that, lest their heads explode.”
Not sure about that. I know there is a decent market for heirloom seeds. I’d rather use that than anything from Monsanto. Problem is, I can’t grow either with any success but that’s because I’m lousy at gardening. I
I’m happy to pay for good quality food and freedom of choice.
You may have my share of GMO crops. Enjoy!
If GMO containing food products were labeled as such, the market for GMO foods would probably shrink dramatically very quickly. Large numbers of consumers don’t want it, the companies pushing it know that and that is why they spend tens of millions fighting any state referenda and buying and paying for congressmen to prevent labeling requirements.
And if companies such as General Foods and Post are beginning to offer products without GMO ingredients, it might still be defeated in the marketplace.
It’s amazing to see folks who claim to be some sort of conservative defend the right of sellers to withhold basic product information from consumers. Knowledge of product and price is one of the requirements for the free market so many claim to desire.
A similar debate was/is held over Country Of Origin Labeling, COOL, it was held up for awhile. I’m not up on the implementation of it. But different groups were/are against it for the obvious reasons.
Yep, I think a law was actually passed, but then held up by various maneuvers and objections from affected businesses who opposed COOLs.
They don’t want us to know what foods contain GMOs, or what foods come from China.
I’ve been all heritage now for 3 years. I don’t need to buy seeds any more. Everything from wheat to tomatoes.
They can keep their GMO free grain, I don’t want any of the crap!!!
And good labeling of foods which do, or do not GMO or non-GMO ingredients would enable you and everyone else to make their personal buying choices.
Don’t go to the high priced health food stores and you don’t have to read the label since they are the only ones selling the crap!
We saved seeds from some of last years stuff so I will be interested to see how it does this year.
Fueling the trend are packaged-food companies such as General Mills Inc. and Post Holdings Inc. that have moved to strip genetically modified ingredients from some products.
If the demand continues, there will be more and more non-GMO. And Walmart is carrying quite a few organic items. I don't buy but one or two organic items, but someone is paying those higher prices because they keep adding more organic items. ($3.98 per dozen for free range eggs)
I had enough of that garbage prior to and during WW-2.
It's called throw shit at ti and hope for something edible.
I want it to be grown in soil that has been tested and chemically fertilized for the crop being grown and kept bug free with pesticides!!!
Dale, you’re going to be the only guy left eating that garbage, but you’re too old for it to matter.
How much fake food can one old fart eat?
.
It’s amazing to see folks who claim to be some sort of conservative defend the right of sellers to withhold basic product information from consumers. Knowledge of product and price is one of the requirements for the free market so many claim to desire.
I have had excellent germination and production from all of my heirlooms. In the tomatoes especially the taste is much better. The cucumbers always produce really well and of consistent quality. The green beans, peas, celery, and bell peppers always grow to 4-5 feet and produce all summer. I’ve been really happy with everything.
INCORRECT! All non-GMO is not organic and never will be. I seriously doubt the non-GMO grains being used by General Mills and Post for some of their cereals are organic.
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