Currently there is a deceiving picture floating around or if you live in Oregon it is a very deceiving TV campaign ad for GMO labeling. It is comparing blue corn seeds versus “normal” corn seeds. The purpose of this photo is to scare consumers into thinking that 1) only GMO seeds are colored and 2) Seed treatments end up in the harvested product. Neither of these are true.
In reality, the blue corn seeds were planted and the “final” product is normal corn seeds.
Seeds can come in many colors. This does not mean the seed is GMO. This means that seed has received some sort of pre-planting seed treatment. Seed treatments are a common practice in farming and are available for all types of farms.
Two weeks ago I planted our 2015 wheat crop. The seeds were pink, just like the wheat I planted the year before. There is no GMO wheat on the market, so the abnormal seed color was not indicating that. The pink color meant that the seed had been treated with a fungicide to protect it from pests. The 2014 wheat we harvested in August was gold aka “normal” wheat.
Seed treatments help give seeds a head start in the ground. Protecting it from possible threats that would harm its growth, like microorganisms or bugs. The treatment eventually disappears either through microorganisms or the effectiveness wears off. It does not end up in the harvested product.
Reduced pesticide use is another advantage of seed treatments. The fungicides and/or insecticides are applied directly to the seed. This direct treatment reduces potential spray drift or not hitting the intended target. The more accurate farmers can be with pesticides helps us to reduce risks and unintended consequences.
All farmers, conventional and organic, have the ability to use seed treatments. There are many options out there on what type of seed treatments farmers can use. They can even choose to use none if they desire. The world of pest management is vast and diverse. Research is constantly improving our knowledge and management of pests. This allows for many “pesticide” options to all types of farms and farmers.
The next time a self-proclaimed food expert on facebook tells you that blue seeds are GMOs and will poison you, just simply click “unlike”. Then pop on over to Ask the Farmers and ask “What is the purpose of blue seeds?” Hopefully you will find an answer that settles any fears or uncertainty you may have about farms, farmers and food.
