Will Mexico join the movement against GMO food?
Mexico has over 59 different indigenous strains of corn, and corn is a key ingredient in many dishes; from soup, tamales, bread, and the well known tacos and tortillas. Corn is so important to the Mexican diet that an ancient Mayan text states that “man and corn are…inextricably linked –giving rise to the saying that Mexicans are ‘people of corn’. (Lauren Villagran, Christan Science Monitor)”
Currently Mexico allows GM (Genetically Modified) corn cultivation in a few northern states, however, Monsanto and other companies are attempting to get permits to expand their business to other Mexican states.
This has led Greenpeace and other organizations like UNORCA (National Union of Autonomous Regional Peasant Organizations) to launch protests throughout Mexico in an attempt to persuade the Mexican government to resist the Monsanto led—GMO invasion.
Many documentaries have been made showing the devastating effects GM corn is having on the Mexican population in general, and the native Mexicans in particular. Many suicides have occurred when people who have farmed corn for generations (some families for hundreds of years if not longer) realized that GM corn destroys the native heirloom seeds and crops. Two other major problems have occurred with Monsanto’s GM corn in Mexico:
- The farmers are forced to purchase seeds from Monsanto each season since the GMO/Monsanto patent laws/rules state that Monsanto owns all crops grown from GMO seeds.
- They are forced with the threat of prosecution, not to store or use heirloom seeds and not to replant GMO seeds either.
Since Monsanto claims to own all crops grown from GMO seeds and the farmers are not allowed to use heirloom seeds the farmers thus become GMO seed dependent and defacto indentured servants or GMO slaves.
If you think this story is unfortunate but does not affect you unless you live in Mexico, consider the reality of the situation that these GMO companies are multinational mega-corporations whose intended goal is for the entire worlds food supply to eventually be derived from GMO seeds and crops. Many organizations estimate that up to 85% of all corn in the USA is already GMO corn. Recent tests in many universities and health organizations have shown solid links between GM corn (as well as other GMO foods) and cancer including tumors in rats and mice.
“Mexico is the world’s only hope,” says Mr. Turrent Fernandez. “If a few years from now the world wants to revert to original strains, the only way to return is for native Mexican corn not to be contaminated. (Lauren Villagran, Christan Science Monitor)”
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Peru takes a major step in the GMO battle
People around the world are beginning to awaken to the reality that the biodiversity of native and natural foods are under increasing assault from “genetically modified organisms” (GMO). Many countries have seen anti GMO protests and calls for GMO labeling laws; others have seen an increase in organic food production and outright bans on GMO food production and importation.
It is well known that the most GMO “friendly” country in the world is the USA, in fact, the USA is both one of the worlds largest importers and exporters of GM seeds and GM food. Many of the “Food Aid” programs the US government offers other countries are contingent upon the recipient country “accepting” GM food in particular GM grains. If the country does not want or accept the GM food then they are often refused the “Aid”.
It was with great pleasure that the National Taoism Examiner (NTE), recently learned that Peru has officially banned GM food; importation and domestic use.
“Peru’s executive has approved the regulations for the law that prohibits the importation, production and use of GMO foods in the country. Violating the law can result in a maximum fine of 10,000 UIT tax units, which is about 36.5 million soles ($14 million). The goods can also be seized and destroyed, according to the norms. The law, which was approved by President Ollanta Humala … is aimed at preserving Peru’s biodiversity and supporting local farmers, Environment Minister Manuel Pulgar Vidal said. (Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times)”
The transition will not be easy nor without its challenges, however, as some estimate that as much as 70% of the food on supermarket shelves contain GM ingredients. Peru does require GMO labeling, which will give the consumer a choice and a sense of moral purchasing power.
There is much at stake for the nations of the world and hopefully other nations will follow the excellent example being led and demonstrated by Peru with regards to banning or at the very least greatly restricting GMO production and use.
“Besides protecting an increasing export industry of organic and native products, the ban protects Peru’s exceptionally varied native plant species —the import and use of GM seeds for corn, for example, would eventually destroy the different and multicolored species grown in the Andean region. (Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times)”
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Walt Disney World’s English tea garden and tour at Epcot
For many, one of the best features of Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park is the World Showcase consisting of 11 countries (Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Italy, the United States, Japan, Morocco, France, United Kingdom and Canada). Here, people of all ages can walk around the globe exploring different countries and cultures as well as sampling food and beverages that many otherwise would not have the opportunity to do so.
Approximately every March 6th –May 19th, Epcot is transformed into the Flower and Garden Festival sponsored by HGTV. The festival features unique Disney themed topiaries as well as cooking and gardening workshops & classes, book signings and unique “garden to table” food stalls for each country.
Some countries also offer a special class or tour to further enhance a unique aspect of their culture and customs. England (or the United Kingdom), always has the Twinings Tea House, however, during the Flower and Garden Festival the English garden is transformed into an English Tea Garden complete with a tour guide trained by Twinings of London.
The tour is conducted outside the tea house, in the English garden which is located around a traditional English cottage complete with a thatched roof.
The tour features approx. ten of the most popular varieties of Twinings tea blends; the plants and “herbs” used in the blends are planted so one can see them in their “natural state”. The tour guides do a fairly good job describing the tea and herbal infusions, and even acknowledge the fact that they owe a tremendous gratitude to China for introducing tea to the English.
Briefly, Twinings of London has been around since 1706 and was founded by Thomas Twining, the original store in London was once a coffee shop, which was the drink of choice prior to the introduction of tea. After approx. 40 years, tea became the drink of choice within England and became one of the primary exports to the American colonies. Twinings now offers more than 300 varieties of tea blends and herbal infusions.
All true tea comes from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis; whether you are drinking green tea, oolong tea, black tea (red tea in China) or white tea, they are all harvested from the same plant. All other “teas”, Camomile for example, are herbal infusions and technically not tea, even though most, especially in the west, still refer to them as such. According to the guide, Twinings tea “masters” must undergo a rigorous course of study for five years, before they are able to work on tea blends and herbal infusions.
The tour concludes, after approx. 30-40 minutes, with a sample pack of assorted Twinings tea and a sample of tea inside the tea house, either hot or cold depending on the weather and season. You are also informed that you can visit the Twinings store in London and arrange tours there as well.
Enjoy the list which features the 10 blends of the tour!
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Twinings spiced apple chai
Twinings Spiced Apple Chai
- Black tea infused with apple flavors and Indian spices, instantly transports you around the world.
- Cinnamon is harvested from the inner bark of this tropical tree.
- Ginger is ground from the aromatic roots of the ginger plant.
- Cardamon is ground from uniquely aromatic seed pods.
- Cloves are dried flower buds that turn bright crimson red when ripe
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings China oolong
Twinings China Oolong tea
- Oolong teas are Camellia sinensis, typically grown in China’s Fujian Province.
- First produced over 400 years ago at Mount Wu Yi Shan near the end of the Ming Dynasty.
- Created by gently shaking, which partially oxidizes the leaves.
- Notable reddish appearance and slightly sweet flavor.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings camomile, honey & vanilla
Twinings camomile, honey & vanilla
- Camomile is naturally caffeine-free and the base of this herbal blend.
- Camomile flowers have a strong, aromatic fragrance and bloom in early to mid summer.
- Twinings selects just the yellow part of the flower to capture the purest taste of Camomile.
- Vanilla is the aromatic seed pod of a vining orchid that grows in the tropics.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings honeybush, mandarin & orange
Twinings honeybush, mandarin & orange
- African Honeybush contains no caffeine and is a natural source of anti-oxidants.
- Grown for centuries as a soothing beverage in South Africa, honeybush flowers are light yellow and smell like honey.
- Mandarin and Orange have distinct flavors which blend perfectly in this new herbal tea.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings pumpkin spice chai
Twinings pumpkin spice chai
- Black tea perfectly blended with pumpkin flavors and savory spices of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.
- Nutmeg is ground from a seed, while allspice is a dried unripe berry.
- Seasonal favorite may be enjoyed with milk.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings jasmine green tea
Twinings jasmine green tea
- Green tea is known for smooth flavor and refreshing taste.
- Made from Camellia sinensis leaves, same as black tea, but quickly preserved.
- Blended with hints of fresh Jasmine flowers.
- Green, black, oolong and white teas are natural sources of antioxidants.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings earl grey
Twinings earl grey
- Originally developed by Twinings as a black tea base scented with Bergamot.
- Bergamot is a small pear-shaped citrus fruit from the Mediterranean.
- Flowers of the evergreen bergamont tree blossom during the spring.
- The second Earl Grey, was presented with this exquisite recipe by an envoy on his return from China.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings English breakfast tea
Twinings English breakfast tea
- Traditional blend of Kenyan and Assam black teas.
- Rich and robust taste make it one of the most popular Twinings varieties.
- Only the top two leaves and bud of the tea plant are used.
- Cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings lemon & ginger
Twinings lemon & ginger
- Herbal tea made from lemons, lemongrass, blackberry leaves and Chinese ginger.
- Lemons are widely grown in Indian and China for their juice.
- Lemongrass and Blackberry leaves contain no caffeine.
- Chinese ginger has been used for over 2,500 years to create invigorating teas.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings mixed berry
Twinings mixed berry
- Black tea with luscious flavors of strawberry, cherry, raspberry and redcurrant.
- Strawberries, raspberries, cherries and redcurrants add a fresh, fruity aroma and a slightly sweet taste.
(from the Twinings informational display card)
Twinings flower tea pot
One of the many unique displays featured in the English tea garden. In addition to this beautiful flower tea pot, there was also a yellow and white version as well. Definitely a crowd favorite.
Epcots English tea garden
One view of the beautiful English tea garden, near the side entrance. Looking out from the side of the traditional tea cottage and towards the main entrance of the garden.
Kingdom of Bhutan aiming to become 100 percent organic
The small landlocked nation, famed as the happiest country in the world, wedged between China (to the north) and India (to the south), with a population of over 700,000; is on the verge of becoming the first nation in the world to have its agriculture be 100% organic.
The government has set a goal to phase out all artificial chemicals from farming within 10 years.
“Jurmi Dorji, a member of the 103-strong Daga Shingdrey Pshogpa farmers’ association in southern Bhutan, says his fellow members are in favour of the policy. More than a decade ago, people realized that the chemicals were not good for farming,” […] “I cannot say everyone has stopped using chemicals but almost 90 percent have. (Yahoo News Singapore)”
This is great news not only for the people of Bhutan but also the world over as a report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science demonstrated that after analyzing “74 studies on soils under organic…farming practices, has found that over time, the carbon content in the organic fields significantly increased. For farmers everywhere, that means organic agriculture results in a richer, more productive soil… (Natural Awakenings Magazine)”
Bhutan exports several agricultural commodities to various nations: rare mushrooms to Japan, vegetables to upscale hotels in Thailand, red rice to the United States and apples to several countries including India.
If Bhutan is able to achieve a 100% organic standard for all food they produce, then they will set a very high standard for the world to follow and will let the world know that their country is taking the quality of their food and the preservation of agricultural biodiversity very seriously, not to mention the ability to gain market advantages and price premiums for their exports.
The world should applaud Bhutan for this effort and encourage their own governments to pursue similar goals.
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