Stop GMO Apple Production in the Okanagan

Right now, Okanagan Speciality is working hard to get their GMO Arctic apple approved in the U.S. and produced in the Okanagan. This apple is designed to not oxidize when cut, which would give pre-cut sliced apples a much longer shelf life. Currently Granny Smith apples are used for this packaged snack food -- they require citric acid to keep them white while in their packaging and have a limited 14 day shelf life (which we think is still pretty long for a sliced apple!). These new GMO Arctic apples would require less citric acid and have a much longer shelf life -- and we at Green Earth Organics don't think that's a good thing.

Not only would these apples be sold long past the normal life span of an organic (read: real) apple, but introducing GMO apples into the producing areas of the Okanagan, Similkameen, and Creston has the potential to cause BC's apple producers to lose very important export markets all over the world.

This is what the company behind this issue says about their product:

"Arctic apples address the supply chain issues caused by enzymatic browning. Only truly nonbrowning Arctic apples can reduce shrinkage rates, open new product opportunities, enhance freshcut offerings while decreasing costs and create a consumption trigger for consumers. We look forward to providing the apple industry with these benefits, and with your continued support, other biotech enhancements like fireblight and scab resistance."

What do you think? Read the following press release and make your voice heard by responding through the available channels:

In an important regulatory milestone, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) has opened the second, and final, public comment period for Okanagan Specialty Fruits’ biotech-enhanced nonbrowning Arctic® apples.

APHIS has posted their Environmental Assessment (EA) and Plant Pest Risk Assessment (PPRA) for Arctic apples, and is requesting public comments on the documents until the December 9, 2013 deadline. We are aware that biotechnology is controversial to some, but our company’s industry and consumer research suggests that those opposed represent a small, vocal minority who do not represent the mainstream consumer. The science, including over a decade of field trial experience and APHIS’ review, demonstrate that Arctic apples are just as safe and healthful as their conventional counterparts and they offer great value to the apple industry.

In the EA, APHIS recommends that Arctic apples be granted non-regulated status in the U.S., which we anticipate will occur early in 2014. We look forward to working in cooperation with the apple industry (see our communication to apple growers, packers and processors below) and associations, including yours, to get more people eating more apples. We invite you to support apple biotechnology by sharing this news with your membership, and by commenting to APHIS in support of Arctic apples. If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact us directly.