MONTPELIER, VT—Genetic engineering compromises farmers' freedom to farm, said Travis Forgues, a member of the Organic Valley cooperative's Vermont pool who, together with his wife, children and parents, operates an 80-cow certified organic dairy on 160 acres in Alburg, Vermont.
Speaking at a State House press conference with members of Rural Vermont, Forgues said "Genetic Engineering takes the freedom away from people to farm the way they choose. I can't control drift from neighbors four miles away. Due to the travel of pollen, I can't guarantee that I'm growing what I planted. Genetically altered corn will have ended up in my crop, changed the structure of what I planted, and altered the product."
The Forgues Farm has been certified organic for five years, and since becoming organic has never grown corn or soybeans. Explained Forgues, "With the higher costs of grain inputs, due to organic practices, many people have suggested that I grow a few acres of corn and some soybeans. Though I agree with them that it makes financial sense, I cannot take that step because of the drift problem."
Forgues noted that Vermont farmers want a fair price for their produce and less restrictions on how they farm, especially as the face of agriculture in the state becomes more bleak. "Farmers should have the right to farm in a particular way, on their own farms as long as we aren't compromising the health of others, the safety of our land, or impeding the rights of others to do the same thing on their farms," emphasized Forgues.
Noting that the health consequences and ecological issues related to GMO's are battles to be fought by others, Forgues concluded: "Should everyone be forced to have to have genetically altered crops? As an organic farmer, I stand against this. Organics is meant to work in harmony with nature, not to genetically change it to fit our purposes. Farming in this manner, is a choice our family has made. It's working for us and the 517 other members of our organic cooperative in 17 states nationwide."
Strong consumer demand has prompted great growth for Organic Valley in New England, where the cooperative produces it own local milk "New England Pastures." In 2002, the co-op brought on 12 farms in Vermont and 10 in Maine, for a regional total of 61 organic farms; added 940 cows being raised organically for a regional total of 2,575 cows; and added 2,350 acres in organic production for a total of 6,525 acres in the region.
Organized 15 years ago by a half dozen organic farmers, the Organic Valley cooperative today is made up of 518 organic farmers in 17 states. Last year it achieved record level sales ($125 million) and an average farmer pay price well above conventional rates. Stewards of the earth who use nature and the wisdom of generations of farm families as their teachers, Organic Valley farmers produce more than 130 delicious organic foods. Look for Organic Valley milk, cheese, butter, spreads, creams, eggs, produce, juice and meats in food cooperatives, natural foods stores and supermarkets throughout the country. For further information, contact Organic Valley, 507 West Main Street, LaFarge WI 54639, tel. (608) 625-2602, or visit www.organicvalley.com
source: Organic Valley
O’Papa Profile: Travis Forgues
A second-generation Vermont farmer, Travis Forgues is a member of the
Organic Valley Family of Farms cooperative and lives within a few miles of the
Canadian border with his wife Amy and their two children Emma (4) and Gabriel
(3).
Q. How has being a father inspired you in your work with organic
agriculture?
A. Family has always been the driving force in my life. As a
child, I was raised on a dairy farm that put family lifestyle at the top of the
priority list. My father always seemed to have time for my two sisters and
me even when other needs were pressing on him. My mother and father always
put the needs of the family much higher than the needs of the farm. As a
child, I doubt there was any better atmosphere to be raised in.
As I grew into adulthood, found love, and became a father myself, the issue of
how we wanted to raise our children was a huge motivator. What Amy (my
wife), and I wanted to be able to offer our children was the family life I had
been able to enjoy and grow in during my childhood. The big question of
course, was how. Agriculture was becoming a more and more difficult
livelihood, and we really had no interest in exposing our children to a
lifestyle that wasn’t one of hope. The answer? Organic
agriculture. Not only was the move to organic production on our farm the
right thing to do for the environment, for the cows, and for the family, it also
allowed us some financial incentives that would make it possible for us to
create a lifestyle of hope for our children. It is a move that I would
never change, and has changed my family forever.
What inspires me most in organic agriculture right now is the ability to pass
along this vision and hope to other families. Every farmer that is able to
join Organic Valley is another parent who has the unique opportunity to raise
his or her family in a safe home, where family can come first, and the future
for their children is as bright as one can hope for. It is because of this
inspiration that I work to spread the Organic Valley mission and bring on more
farmers. What can be better than passing along this legacy to my children?
source: http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/177_travis_forgues.cfm 17mar03
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