GMO Corn, Hybrid Corn- what does it all mean?

This week I will be sharing posts about corn in Indiana ranging from topics like- genetically modified: what does that mean anyway and an inside look into Indiana’s family corn farmers as a part of the Indiana Family of Farmers ambassador program- which I am a part of. Whereas I was compensated for my time for travel for this project I am not in any way, shape or form promoting a particular idea or brand. Like everything I share on Basilmomma.com, all opinions and ideas are my own.

For the last several years I have avoided a few hot topics like the plague specifically because I didn’t feel knowledgeable enough to share the facts and debate them in an educated fashion. I am not prone to water cooler gossip and educating myself through propaganda or social media memes. Having said this there are a few social and health issues that are reaching a fever pitch these days and I have decided that I needed to know more. I want to invite conversations here on this site that are balanced, respectful and informative. So of course I am starting with the biggest one of them all (right now).

The topic of GMO’s- specifically: genetically modified corn grown in Indiana.

I invite you all to participate in this series. I want to hear your questions, your comments- your concerns. These posts will be read and shared with others in the farming community, with seed companies and with advocates on both sides. Because of the nature of this topic I would ask that the conversations remain civil, respectful and purposeful. This is a conversation we need to have and as the owner of this site I can and will moderate any of what my kids call “bad talk”.

One of the things that has really bothered me about this debate is that the argument has become very one sided- meaning I only hear one side doing the yelling. Also, rarely do I read an article that is balanced on both sides with facts from credible sources. I do see a lot of “my sister said that her neighbors doctor told her….” type comments. I have not seen many take the time to investigate, do research and listen with an open mind.  That is what I did. And whereas I am not a farmer, scientist, doctor or lobbyist- I do understand clearly laid out facts.

Facts. Now here is the rub. I had a very unfortunate conversation in a public place recently with a zealot (yes, I said that) who told me that I may have gotten cancer from modified foods I had eaten in my life AND that my oldest son had a tree nut allergy because I ingested modified foods while pregnant. Literally looked me in the face and said that. He is not a doctor, he is not a scientist- but he thought his point of view was valid and therefore he was right. But you can see how fear has shaped how we absorb information these days.

How many of us rely on social media and television hype to inform us on the issues we need to know about? I bet more than we are comfortable admitting.

I am a firm believer in the idea that you are in charge of your beliefs and your way of life. It is not for me to tell you how to live. I expect that in return. But what I do know is that I have a platform and the ability to share information with those who want it. So that is what I am doing now.

I have no opinion here. I believe in choices. What I will share in the next 2 posts is an unbiased glimpse into the life of a single corn kernel and it’s ability to divide people. No propaganda, no fear and no shaming. I know there are several of you that had many questions about hybrid vs GM  like I did. I decided to go to the source to find out what all of the hubbub was about. The journey starts at Indiana’s Beck’s Hybrids and ends with a multi-generational farm in my own backyard.

Please follow along and let me know (in the comments) what YOU would like to know about Hybrid and GM corn.