Genetically Modified Chocolate to Consume 70% of Global Cocoa Supply
Anthony Gucciardi
NaturalSociety
December 3, 2011
New initiatives seek to genetically modify 70% of the global cocoa supply, highlighting the necessity for consumers to select only high quality organic chocolate products in order to avoid this threat. Using genetically modified cocoa tree hybrids, scientists are already spreading the news about their new ‘tastier’ modified chocolate. The campaign to use genetically modified cocoa tree hybrids is a product of a collaboration involving the USDA, Mars chocolate manufacturer, and even IBM.
The funding for the initiative comes from Mars, involving scientists based at the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture and Science in addition to the inclusion of researchers working at IBM’s Thomas J Watson Research Center. What are these scientists doing exactly? They are actively working to finalize the gene sequencing of the cocoa genome in order to officially begin the widespread modification of the chocolate supply. The scientists claim that the project will actually “benefit” the chocolate industry and cocoa growers in West Africa — the home of 70% of the world’s cocoa production.
History Repeats | GMO Crops, Plant Life Destroy the Environment
Dr. Howard-Yana Shapiro, head of plant science and research at the confectionery firm, totes pest and disease resistance among the “benefits” of genetically modified cocoa tree hybrids. Is history repeating itself?
“As plant breeders, we’re always looking after the golden traits: pest and disease resistant, drought tolerance, the ability to adapt to climate change, tree architecture, yield quality, etc,” said Dr Shapiro.
Reports have surfaced revealing how GMO crops which are engineered to include Bt, a biopesticide, are actually breeding mutated species of insects which are no longer affected by the biopesticide. In fact, over 8 populations of insects developed resistance, 6 of which were resistant to Bt crops as a whole. Even after further genetically modifying these plants, it was found to be ineffective. Perhaps Dr. Shapiro would think differently about the amazing pest-resistant benefits of genetically modified plant life if he read this research.
If this campaign comes to pass, it will be through the major pushes of the USDA and Mars chocolate manufacturer. GMO crops have continually been found to threaten the environment as well as your health. This is why they are being continually banned around the globe as individuals realize the extreme dangers that go along with the genetic modification of the food supply.
The results have been published on the Cacao Genome Database website.
Explore More:
- Genetically Modified Potatoes: Scientists Unleash New Monster
- The Health Benefits of Chocolate
- Take Action Against Genetically Modified Foods Right Now
- Genetically Modified Lab Monkeys Invoke Debate
- Chocolate Can be Healthy, as Long as it is the Right Kind
- China Adds Genetically Modified Rice to the List of Rejected GMOs
Perhaps Dr. Shapiro would think differently if he
was forced-fed GMO’S.
I think management should have their brains genetically altered so that they can think of better ways to save money – it’s obvious they can’t and shouldn’t be in management.
The giant corporations are commiting crimes against humanity. The damage they are doing to the world and to its people is hard to fathom.
There may come a day when these criminals are brought to justice. That day will not be until justice itself is purged of the criminal coruption which now allows this to continue.
I would suggest the all the CEOs and boards of direvtors of the corporations like Monsanto , be required to participate in a test. They would be required to eat nothing but their own GMO food for a period of 10 years and then the results could be varified.
But of course this is a fantasy. Their appetite is not for their monster foods, but for profits. Profits without any morality or ethics or regard for human life.
One day the victims of these horrors will rise up and these people will find themselve at the mercy of mob justice. The mob will show them the same mercy as they have now shown the mob.
By then it will be to late because the type of damage they are doing will not be repairable.