Yesterday we confirmed that the rape/canola plants and seeds growing in the energy garden are indeed free of Monsanto’s Round Up Ready genes. We are growing two small (3 ft. x 5 ft.) plots for oil seeds as an example of one of the options available for local and ecologically appropriate sources of liquid fuel for agriculture. Of course, the seeds were certified GMO-free and organic, but we decided to test ourselves as well. We ordered a test kit from Envirologix in Portland, Maine.

As we face the need for non-petroleum, renewable fuels, fuels required for feeding our current population, fuels for field work, refrigeration, transportation, we must keep in mind basic ecological and economic guidelines. Here are three at the top of the list:
- Take care of the soil
- Don’t pollute the water, the air or any other natural resource
- Diversity leads to stability

We do not support a genetically modified food or fuel supply. We do not support an alternative fuel supply to petroleum that causes soil degradation, ecosystem pollution or loss of even a part of our genetic heritage.

As we continue working to create a sustainable food system, and one that is prepared for peak everything, we face very complex choices. We need alternative fuels, but we need them to be from truly renewable sources. We need to source them in ways that don't compromise other basic ecosystem and economic functions.

Seed companies like the one in Stockton from which we acquired our seeds must be supported and encouraged. Our future food system depends on our access to good seeds that are genetically appropriate to our regions and specific needs. We’ll be making this test kit available to growers in the area who may be growing organic canola or brassica species near RR Canola that could cross-pollinate.

Some of the questions we are attempting to address are:

-what are the most important uses of liquid fuels in the food system?

-what are the most effective conservation actions?

-do we have the technology we need for each part of the food and fuel system?

-at what scale, and in which applications are different alternative fuels appropriate?

-how do we diffuse innovations and knowledge about farming methods and food preparation and transportation which don’t require fossil fuels?

-how do we build a production system and an economy that serves human food needs without further damaging our ecosystems and communities?