Well, no.
But I certainly opened one when my mom asked me; "Were you were the one who told me Dole was GMO? Well in the Rose Bowl parade their float had NO GMO signs all over it."
My inner response was to immediately go and research it - "there must be a loop hole" I thought. I found a BOAT LOAD of information. So I will do a fair amount of "back and forthing" between good and evil. ;)
Let's start with ... What the HECK is a GMO??
GMO- genetically modified organism:
A genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. Organisms that have been genetically modified include micro-organisms such as bacteria and yeast, insects, plants, fish, and mammals.
Genetically modified foods are foods produced from organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA using the methods of genetic engineering.
These techniques have allowed for the introduction of new crop traits as well as a far greater control over a food's genetic structure than previously afforded by methods such as selective breeding and mutation breeding.
FHEW.
So Dole says "We do not use GMO's in our products".
They are, in fact, very mindful of what they do, how they say it, and to whom they say it.
Here
is what I know, rather, have read but can find no real substantiated
proof, so I'm re-writing these in trepidation and using my own judgment.
(Because we know everything on the Inter-web is true - RIGHT?!?)
Dole and Monsato signed a 5 year agreement to collaborate will involve breeding research and will not involve the genetic engineering that Monsanto employs.
This contradicts the very meaning of GMO's.
In this statement: http://on.fb.me/1d1Irbz Dole makes the same claim, still not (maybe they just don't see it the way I do) realizing the very meaning of GMO is something altered whether via breeding, forced mutation or gene splicing.
They are one of many companies who have stood behind the anti-food labeling campaign started my Monsanto: Sunny Delight, Kellogg's, Bumble Bee Foods, Bimbo Bakeries, Campbell Soup, Land O'Lakes, Hormel Foods, Dole Packaged Foods, Del Monte Foods and Ocean Spray Cranberries, to name a few, have all joined the anti-labeling coalition to defeat Prop. 37, as well as little-known companies like Knouse Foods, who makes applesauce and apple juice under the Musselman's, Lucky Leaf, Apple Time, Lincoln and Speas Farm brand names.
Having farms all across the globe, their Fair Trade methods have been called into question repeatedly.
There have been many issues in Dole's past where they've had to backtrack and make amendments.
They have been sited for pesticide use and unhealthy conditions for worker in Costa Rics and Taiwan.
Dole issues a cease and desist on the movie BANANAS! :http://bit.ly/1eYeuuq
good information and links here: http://bit.ly/1gr5NGk
They DO try very hard to make themselves look very responsible.
On their website they have many catch-phrases such as:
Dole Responsibility:
"Dole Food Company, Inc. and Dole Packaged Foods believe that in order to perpetuate sustainability it is of the utmost importance to treat our people, resources, environment and community as our most precious assets. In order to protect its greatest assets, Dole has built its sustainability strategy on four pillars: water management, carbon footprint, soil conservation and packaging. "
Water Management Dole has implemented industry leading programs that teach water recycling methods and processes that reduce overall usage.
Carbon Footprint We map and analyze our activities in order to locate the sources of carbon emissions and develop alternative practices.
Soil Conservation Dole is dedicated to providing consumers with the highest quality produce, which is only made possible with healthy soil.
Packaging We follow a "Reuse or Recycle" policy to conserve material, reduce waste and maximize efficiency throughout the supply chain.
"Methinks thou dost protest too much."
Meaning: usually
when someone has a lot to say in regards to how great they are, how
socially responsible, bio-conscious and awesome they are - it's because
they are not confident they are perceived as such, and might have a few
skeletons in their closet. But they're environmentally safe skeletons!
Ok - I know you're probably thinking: this is all kinda circumstantial and far-reaching.Yes, perhaps ... but 2 things stand out to me, and bot h are in the here and now.
1. They still have an Anti-GMO labeling campaign.
In 2012, Dole Packaged Foods contributed $171,261 to a $46 million political campaign known as "The Coalition Against The Costly Food Labeling Proposition, sponsored by Farmers and Food Producers". This organization opposed California Proposition 37 (2012), proposing mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically modified ingredients. Dole's donation was among the lowest provided by manufacturers to the "No" campaign. Proposition 37 was defeated in the California state election on November 6, 2012.2.
2. Guilty by association:
"Dole's
collaboration with Monsanto is strictly focused on traditional plant
breeding techniques - NOT genetic modification (GMO). We're exploring
how to better naturally breed broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and spinach
to improve nutrition.
Dole's
dedication to nutrition is a commitment solidly backed by comprehensive
programs for food safety, crop protection and stringent quality
control.
We appreciate having the opportunity to respond to your concern and hope we may continue to serve you as a Dole consumer."
I think if we stick with our credo: Eat local, Eat Seasonal, KNOW what you eat. We will avoid having these conversations; they will simply become irrelevant.
I leave it to you - the consumer.
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