The way corporations speak about GMOs in their subtle manner is how they plan to attack now. Justin King, chief executive officer of UK grocer J Sainsbury Plc, says that ‘most people aren’t against GMO,’ but that they just need to be convinced genetically modified and transgenic crops are good for them.
In a recent interview, King said that GMO crops have been focused on the producer instead of the consumer, which is a mistake. Translation: we got to the farmers and now they need to get to us, so we have to win over the grocery store customer now. In King’s estimation:
“It has never been the case that the UK population is against GM. There is a significant minority that are vocally and vehemently against it but the vast majority of the UK population would put themselves in the ‘don’t know, would like to know the facts and could be persuaded’ box.”
He also named the blight resistant potato that was recently introduced by British scientists when addressing attendees at the National Farmers’ Union annual conference.
“If you look at the debate in the last week or two about potatoes, that is a producer argument not a customer argument. The industry needs to focus on where the customer benefit is in any change,” he said.
Read: Letter to EU Chief Says Biotech is Lying About GMOs
It’s true that the majority either don’t know about GMOs or don’t care, but is King ignorant of the millions of UK protestors who don’t want GMO – corn, soy, sugar beets, salmon, OR potatoes in their food supply? This is true despite Britain’s farm minister Owen Paterson being one of the most vehement supporters of GMO crops, calling earlier this year for the approval process to be accelerated. It isn’t as if consumers are just waking up to this blasphemy either. Over a decade ago, protestors tore up fields in the UK, rejecting Monsanto’s genetically modified crops, calling them Frankenfoods.
At that time, more than 600 public meetings were held in the UK to discuss the travails of GMO crops, and those numbers have only grown since. This ‘significant minority’ that is against GMO, according to King, is steadily transforming. There are hordes of people who don’t want biotech meddling with their food.
GMO’s are proven to cause cancer. Now that is a real consumer argument for that vested in poison CEO wants to get his head around. It’s funny how these people never truly want to discuss the science but they will give us reassurances and platitudes.
GMO’s are being introduced simply so that a few corporations can control the food supply. The people getting the airtime to say they are good for us are corrupt.
Stu…..I agree with your opening paragraph. And yes, the few corporations are controlling the food supply because it’s necessary to feed the massive population explosion that the world is witnessing. Unfortunately, the gmo’s that are being grown are empty calories – ie: rice, potatoes, soya – foods that are “fillers”, so-to-speak.
What we need is a concentrated, collective push by western governments to change the focus of our public school systems wherein students are taught the real science behind our food supply. Our science programs need to begin teaching little ones upon entering school the difference between grass-fed beef and beef raised in feedlots, the difference between free-range chickens and chickens raised in crates. Our youth need to be introduced to all aspects of food so that they may make choices as they mature. They need to know and understand the differences between organic and artificial growing in our food supply network. This will take a generation at least, which may even be too late. I have read about alternative schools in England that use this approach in Science and it works.
Monsanto et al, are massive contributors to the American GDP, so it’s understandable that government is in bed with seed manufacturers; same thing applies to pharmaceuticals and health care.
We need watchdog groups such as this small venue to keep promoting a natural approach to our food supply and well being. It’s unfortunate that there is much ignorance in our world and the likes of the guy, King, audaciously promoting that S***T makes me fume somewhat. I agree with posters below; he most likely heads off to the farmer’s markets looking for certified organic growers.
Jan in Edmonton, Ab., Canada
I bet any money they don’t eat GMOs in the Sainsbury laboratories canteen nor in their staff canteens at their supermarket stores.
Unfortunately ere are too many people who will, through absolute ignorance, believe this claptrap tripe. It is these people who will condemn us all to an early grave. We need to educate the masses and PDQ!
King must have an enormous amount of stocks in Biotech Corporations like Monsanto, but I am certain that he nor his family ingests GMO’s.
People are NOT as stupid as he thinks. People don’t have to be convinced of anything. They just have to be educated and learn how detrimental GMO’s are to every living person and organism on this planet.
Anyone with a brain who has been educated knows that GMO’S are harmful to our health causing more disease today, than in past decades before MonSatan started messing with our foods.
People like King should think before making such an ignorant statement.
I hope he educates himself!
We don’t want GMO’s…….? I’m already angry that its in the feed the animals eat in this country a lot people don’t realise it, they snook it in the back door without asking the British public Its a disgrace.the problems they are having around the world its not good. (Wake up everybody)
it’s all about the money. Always has been, always will be.