{"id":1063,"date":"2013-03-02T21:59:18","date_gmt":"2013-03-03T02:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/rex.bohemianutopia.com\/wordpress\/?p=445"},"modified":"2013-03-02T21:59:18","modified_gmt":"2013-03-03T02:59:18","slug":"disturbing-genetic-modification-technology-honeybees","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bohemianutopia.com\/?p=1063","title":{"rendered":"Disturbing Genetic Modification Technology – Honeybees"},"content":{"rendered":"

This month I attended a beekeeping conference in which disturbing advancements in technology have been announced.<\/p>\n

An employee of Monsanto, who works for acquired company BeeLogics indicated their intent and research into modifying the genetic makeup of honeybees by means of RNAi protein control.<\/p>\n

RNAi – when performed naturally by the body happens from the moment we are conceived until we die.\u00a0 It’s the body’s mechanism of\u00a0 producing different proteins for different purposes for the body. the “i” of RNAi stands for “interference”.\u00a0 New biological technology allows for the modification of the sequences that create proteins by turning sections of protein receptors\/generators on and off.<\/p>\n

According to the Monsanto employee, the use for honeybees will be to develop a resistance to varroa mites and other pests to the honeybee.<\/p>\n

Here’s a truth as we know it….\u00a0 Monsanto builds “bt” into their crops.\u00a0 This is to increase yields of their “licensed” crop seeds by inserting \/ building insecticides into the genetics of the plant themselves.\u00a0 This bt is built into the DNA sequencing of the plant itself – so it’s replicated by both mitosis and meiosis.\u00a0 It becomes a part of the plant body cell production, as well as into it’s reproductive cells.<\/p>\n

Pollen is the male-portion (sperm) of a plant’s reproductive system, and is carried by honeybees as well as other pollinators.\u00a0 This bt-laced “food” or protein source for the bees will affect their ability to reproduce…. After all – bt is used as a larvacide to interrupt the life cycle of pest insects to the crop.\u00a0 Unfortunately – bt also affects beneficial insects.<\/p>\n

My prediction is that Monsanto and BeeLogics intent is to alter the DNA sequences of the honeybee – so that it can be tolerant to the bt toxins that are already built into their seeds.\u00a0 They benefit by having increased pollination, and potentially lower losses of honeybees.\u00a0 As well as the “press” that they are providing a fix for losses of bees by CCD.<\/p>\n

The problem (to me) – is that these bees would NEVER have developed these gene sequences in the normal and natural process of evolution.\u00a0 They are developing a new animal – that is “Monsanto BT-ready” – and will likely have to be licensed (and costly) to beekeepers to perform a pollination service.<\/p>\n

This is all disturbing…\u00a0 Very disturbing.\u00a0 My prediction is the “FrankenBee”.<\/p>\n

\"Monsanto<\/a>

Monsanto Beelogics RNAi GM Honeybee<\/p><\/div>\n

When asked about the safety and security and potential side effects of this “control of a natural process” – his response was that “We just don’t know the long term effects”.<\/p>\n

What does that mean?\u00a0 That means that there is the potential for these genetic codes to alter more than BT resistance (or varroa tolerance \/ hygienic behavior).\u00a0 It’s unknown (as far as we know) what side effects may occur.\u00a0 Will traits be passed on from the eggs of a fertile queen to the worker brood?\u00a0 How about to the drones that provide genetics to new virgin queens that they mate with?\u00a0 What behavioral changes might be affected by the bees?\u00a0 Aggressiveness?\u00a0 Lazy bees?\u00a0 Will they continue with the symptoms of neonicotinoid poisoning? (forget where they live, and not return to their hives?)<\/p>\n

The mantra that was repeated over and over by the Monsanto employee was that the control of RNAi was a “normal and natural” thing.\u00a0 Bullshit.\u00a0 Yes – the body performs RNA control from the moment we are conceived until we die.\u00a0 But this is not CONTROLLED by people with agendas and profit margins.\u00a0 It’s controlled by the body in response to internal and external environment.\u00a0 When individuals representing corporations start making these changes – there can only be one reason.\u00a0 Financial.\u00a0 Corporations exist to make a profit.\u00a0 Therefore control of food, seeds, and the processes and distribution of food is for financial goals.<\/p>\n

Does this seem cynical and fear-based?\u00a0 You bet.\u00a0 But guess what?\u00a0 This is a REALITY that we’re about to be dealing with as beekeepers and food producers.<\/p>\n

What can you do?\u00a0 Let your lawmakers and policy makers know that you will not re-elect them if they continue to pander to the corporate whims of Monsanto (and similar companies) that develop and promote genetically modified plants and organisms.\u00a0 Urge food producers to discontinue use of GM products in their ingredients.\u00a0 Buy locally – from farmers and food preparers that you KNOW and can personally verify their production processes.<\/p>\n

Be involved, and be informed.<\/p>\n

Here’s a link to the video that I recorded.\u00a0 It’s about an hour long, and is kind of dry – but here’s the info that they are trying to “sell”.<\/p>\n