![]() In the apple category, Non-GMO Project Verification no longer is dismissed. Many otherwise well-informed people are wrong about what they believe is or isn’t GE. The new threat of GE apple contamination is not the only reason for value in a verified non-GMO apple label.Īnother reason for labeling is that the vast majority of shoppers do not know what foods are genetically engineered. The Hearst FOIA also documented that USDA has sent out nearly 200 notices of noncompliance for GE field trial violations nationwide since 2010 – but only two penalties have been issued. Now, USDA has slapped Gebbers with a $19,250 fine for failing to comply with the rules for GE crop trials.Īs the Seattle P-I put it, “The prospect of gene-altered apples entering the market is a worry in Washington’s $1.5 billion apple industry, amid fears that consumers will reject tinkering with the genes of a fruit that stands as a symbol of healthy eating.” Gebbers reportedly has been cited before for conducting a field trial too close to conventional apples, as well as for failing to keep good records, and for not making any effort to restrict animals out of the apple fields. Freedom of Information findingsĭocuments obtained by Hearst Newspapers through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request reportedly show the grower of experimental GE apples in Washington failed to follow even the weak protocols required by USDA.Īccording to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, the FOIA documents show Gebbers Farms in Brewster, Washington had gene-altered trees flowering less than 100 feet from traditional apple trees. There’s another classic baking apple, the Cortland (and its sports) grown for more than 100 years that also is slow to brown, staying a beautiful, crisp white in salads. It’s a combination of Topaz and Golden Delicious and is not ready to be harvested until late October, meaning it’s available from late November/early December to April. ![]() The Opal apple first was developed by a plant breeder in the Czech Republic and marketed in 1999. A September article by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer shows how wrong that assumption can be. So you might assume there’s no reason to seek Non-GMO Project Verification. and Washington Apple commissions are opposed to approval. GE apples are not approved for market and both the U.S. Opal Apple Slaw with Cabbage Ingredients: For the slaw: 2 Opal apples, julienned 2 cups Cabbage, finely shredded 1 Carrot, julienned 2 Green onions, sliced thinly For the creamy maple Dijon dressing: 3 Tbsp. The Broetje team is acutely aware that GE apples that don’t brown are growing in experimental fields about 200 miles away. The Opal apple is grown by Broetje Orchards of Prescott, Washington, one of the largest, privately owned apple orchards in the United States with more than 6,000 acres in apples and cherries. “We felt it was important to clarify the natural non-browning characteristic is just that - natural.” Department of Agriculture (USDA),” said Keith Matthews, CEO of First Fruits Marketing. “We want consumers to have confidence that Opal is not a GMO product and not confuse Opal with the new GMO variety currently under consideration by the U.S. ![]() Since there aren’t any GE apples on the market today, why would anyone seek Non-GMO Project Verification for an apple?
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