For farmers across Southern Africa, seeds are more than just the start of a harvest; they are the keepers of tradition, resilience, and future potential. In recent decades, the introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) in agriculture has become a topic of much discussion. While proponents often highlight potential yield increases, organic farming takes a firm stance against GMOs. But why is this the case, and what does it mean for your farm?

What are GMOs (in Simple Terms)?

Genetic engineering is a specific type of seed breeding done in laboratories. It involves altering the DNA of a seed to give it certain traits, like resistance to a specific pest or herbicide.

Why Organic Says No to GMOs

The organic principles provide the answer:

• Health: Concerns exist about the potential long-term impacts of consuming GM foods and the increased use of certain chemicals associated with some GM crops.
• Ecology: Organic farming values biodiversity and natural ecological processes. GMOs can potentially impact non-target organisms and reduce the genetic diversity of crops.
• Fairness: This is a big one for farmers. The document highlights that genetically engineered seeds are often expensive and protected by intellectual property rights. This means farmers must buy new seeds every year and are legally forbidden from saving them for replanting. This creates a reliance on large agrochemical companies.
• Care: Organic agriculture emphasises caring for the environment and the well-being of all involved. The system around GMOs, with its focus on corporate ownership of seeds and potential environmental risks, often clashes with this principle.

The Challenge for Southern African Farmers: Seed Saving and Reliance

The issue of not being able to save seeds is particularly critical in Southern Africa. For generations, farmers in our region have relied on saving, sharing, gifting and exchanging seeds. This practice is vital for preserving local varieties adapted to specific conditions, maintaining biodiversity and ensuring food security within communities.

Protecting Your Farm’s Future

Choosing to farm without GMOs, as in organic systems, helps protect your farm’s future by:

• Maintaining Seed Independence: You can save and replant seeds, reducing ongoing costs and preserving valuable local genetics.
• Preserving Biodiversity: By growing a variety of non-GM crops, you contribute to agricultural biodiversity, which makes your farm more resilient to pests, diseases and changing climates.
• Building Healthy Ecosystems: Avoiding the chemicals often associated with GM crops protects your soil, water, and beneficial insects.
• Meeting Consumer Demand: A growing number of consumers are actively seeking non-GMO and organic products, opening potential markets for your produce.

For farmers in Southern Africa, embracing non-GMO and organic practices is a way to safeguard traditional farming methods, protect the environment, maintain independence and build a resilient and sustainable future for their farms.

Author: Rabecca Mwila

Rabecca Mwila is a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. With a background in climate change and communications, she has spent years telling the untold stories of the realities of climate change, environmental and climate injustices and how they affect vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.