Basmati rice, bred into many strains over thousands of years by Indian and Pakistani growers, is prized in the world market for its quality and fragrance.

Approximately 80% of India's Basmati rice is grown for export, and thousands of farmers depend on it for their livelihoods.

In 1997 a corporation was granted a U.S. patent on the name "Basmati", giving it commercial ownership of the name for rice seed, rice plants, and rice grain.

This case of "biopiracy" raised global outrage, as Indian rice growers and exporters would have to pay royalties if they sold their traditional product under the familiar Basmati name.

International organizations launched a challenge to the patent, and in 2001 their effort was successful. In addition to forcing the corporation to drop its Basmati venture, the campaign raised awareness and understanding about biopiracy and the issues associated with patenting live organisms.

Although the Basmati patent was struck down, the biotech pimps Monsanto, Syngenta, and others are moving forward with genetic research and are patenting "bioengineered" rice. One controversial example is Golden Rice, a GMO created by adding genetic material from flowers and bacteria to the DNA of rice.

The resulting rice grain contains vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene and is touted as a solution to childhood blindness caused by vitamin A deficiency. But, scientists and activists who are opposed to GMO-related corporate control of agriculture argue that vitamin A deficiency in developing countries is not caused by deficiencies in the crops themselves, but by the loss of diverse sources of food.

Golden Rice provides only a minimum percentage of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, while a varied diet including green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and fruit would provide families with plenty of vitamin A.

If the money spent on developing Golden Rice could be spent instead on distributing seed for safe, natural vitamin A crops, a serious health issue would be addressed, while fostering biodiversity and sustainable traditional agriculture.

Over the past 10 years we sat back and allowed GMOs to contaminate a major part of our food supply with Monsanto wanting to control the world's food sources. We have been blessed with Frankenfish, cloned meat and dairy products, and a government... "of the people" makes it so GMOs do not have to be labeled and are touted as safe. Our beloved politicians turn a blind eye as long as the campaign contributions keep rolling in.

But, we the people have financial power. If we only purchase GMO-free products we will certainly get the attention of the pimps and hookers. Let's call it a "trick" rebellion.

For openers, only buy organic soy, corn, cotton and sugar products. And remember, there is no such thing as "organic Canola oil". It is a GMO through and through.

Aloha!

About the author

Hesh Goldstein: Vegetarian since 1975, vegan since 1990. Moderator of a weekly radio show in Honolulu called, "Health Talk" since 1981. Obtained a Master's degree in Nutrition, in 2007, to silence the so-called "doctors" that called in to my weekly radio show asking for my "credentials". At 71, I am in perfect health, have no illnesses, take no meds, play 4 on 4 half court hoops 2 hours a week, body surf, race walk, do various cardio and weight exercises, teach women's self defense classes based upon 30 years of Wing Chun training and play in a softball league twice a week.

To obtain a state of good health, if it had a face or a mother or if man made it, don't eat it.

For more information: www.healthtalkhawaii.com

Hesh is also the distributor of Organic Sulfur Crystals, an incredible healing nutrient. For more information on this go to his website and click on Products.

Dec. 4, 2010

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