GM corn linked to bee deaths

A recent study has suggested that the mass deaths of bees in North America and Europe may be linked to genetically modified crops. Bees fed on a diet of GM maize pollen die in large numbers if they are infested by parasites. Healthy bees appear to be not affected.
Bees play a crucial role in agriculture pollenating plants from strawberries, apples and cucumbers to almonds. Without them, the work of bees has to be done by human hand. In the USA, farmers already have to pay bee keepers to bring hives to their crop. Almond growers pay $150 per hive.
The health effect on bees does not occur until the bees are weakened from another source. Similar studies on the effect on unhealthy humans have not been carried out.
"If the bee disappeared off the surface of the globe then man would only have four years of life left. No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more man."
Albert Einstein.

GE Farming

Victorian farmers are lobbying for permission to grow genetically manipulated crops, arguing that they need to do this to compete on international markets. In Brandenburg, Germany the same arguments are being used by farmers growing GE crops against their neighbouring organic and conventional farmers who are trying to protect their right to grow crops which are not contaminated by GE substances in the environment.
As well as the effect of GE crops on surrounding farms, the health effects if they are consumed are now just beginning to be established. It was reported here that there is a toxic effect on kidneys and livers of research animals.
GE foodstuffs contain substances which have never before been consumed by humans in their entire genetic history. We have not co-evolved with these substances as we have with other foodstuffs so our digestive systems have not evolved strategies for dealing with them. These substances have been shown to find their way into the bloodstream.
GE substances are unknown in the evolution of all life forms. No animals or plants have yet adapted to living with them. Unlike natural toxins which are processed by the organism which consumes them through specialised organs developed for dealing with them, GE substances are strangers to living beings.
Farmers cover their risks by insuring themselves against legal claims from those who can prove they have suffered losses. Insurance companies can insure against the losses of individual farmers, but the broader social damage cannot be insured and money cannot compensate adequately for permanent injuries to the body.
Maybe a better approach for future competitiveness of farmers would be to ensure their region is known internationally as GE free.

Toxicity in GE maize approved for Australia

Genetically-engineered maize which has toxic effects on the kidney and liver of laboratory rats has been cleared for use as food for humans and animals. This maize has been authorised for markets in Australia as well as other countries.
Would you know if you are eating GE maize? In restaurants, for example? Would you know that you got sick from the maize oil used for cooking or in a salad dressing?
Meanwhile in Europe, organic farmers are trying to protect their regions from the damaging effects on farming caused by the introduction of GE crops. These include contamination by GE pollen and the effects on bees producing organic honey.