As a company and a family, we at Lost Coast Plant Therapy feel it is very important to take a stand on the quality of farming and the ingredients we choose to use. This is why we will never use synthetic ingredients, and we will never use GMO ingredients in our products.
We’d like to take a moment and share with you some of the background on this topic and the deeper reasons why we have made this commitment.
Starting in 1996, one of the biggest developments in agriculture was the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), along with the newer, more friendly-sounding term “bioengineering.”
The basic definition of a genetically modified organism (GMO) is an organism whose genome has been engineered in a laboratory in order to favor the expression of desired physiological traits or the generation of desired biological products.
As of 2024, 90% of corn, soybeans, and cotton grown in the U.S. is GMO. Corn and cotton, in particular, have pesticide built into their genetic makeup. These are known as “BT corn” and “BT cotton” (short for Bacillus thuringiensis, the bacteria that produces the toxin). Soybeans have been genetically modified to withstand the herbicide glyphosate, commonly sold under the brand name Roundup. This version of soybean is known as RR Soybean (short for Roundup Ready Soybean).
Other common GMO crops include potatoes, papayas, summer squash, canola, alfalfa, sugar beets, and sugarcane. All of these crops are banned from being grown in the European Union and other countries around the world due to concerns over their environmental and health impacts. (More on that later!)
The Difference Between Hybridization and Genetic Modification (GMO)
First, we’d like to point out the difference between hybridization and genetic modification, as they are often confused as being the same. They are not.
In conventional livestock production, crop farming, and even pet breeding, it has long been common practice to breed select individuals of a species in order to produce offspring that have desirable traits. This is called hybridization and occurs in nature as well. Farmers and breeders have practiced this for millennia.
In genetic modification, however, recombinant genetic technologies are employed to produce organisms whose genomes have been precisely altered at the molecular level, usually by the inclusion of genes from unrelated species of organisms that code for traits that could never be attained through conventional selective breeding. Unlike hybridization, which works within the natural boundaries of a species, genetic modification involves crossing genetic material in ways that nature itself could never achieve.
Nature vs. the Lab: What’s Really Happening
The basic premise of genetic modification is to combine elements that would never naturally occur in the environment. In a billion years of evolution, an animal species would never cross, mix, or breed with a plant, but in a laboratory, this has become possible.
Similarly, a synthetic chemical created by humans would never become a natural part of a plant’s biological structure, but through genetic engineering, this too has become possible.
For example, genetic engineering has led to the development of crops with pesticides embedded directly into their DNA. This means the pesticide becomes part of the plant’s biological makeup, not something sprayed externally.
I’m sure I don’t have to point this out, but I will: anything that eats the plant ingests the pesticide as well. This includes humans.
This genetic "convenience," where pesticide is built directly into the plant, means that less, or sometimes no, additional pesticide needs to be applied externally to the crops. While this sounds very convenient for the farmer, there are important additional factors to consider.
Soil Health is at Risk
Healthy soil is the foundation of sustainable farming and plays a vital role in producing nutrient-rich food. The soil microbiome (a complex community of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms) works symbiotically with plants to help them absorb nutrients, retain moisture, and fight off diseases.
Glyphosate-based herbicides, which are commonly used in conjunction with GMO crops, disrupt this delicate balance. Glyphosate doesn't just target weeds, it also impacts beneficial microorganisms, effectively "sterilizing" the soil over time. This leads to several key problems:
Loss of Nutrient Cycling: Beneficial bacteria that break down organic matter and release vital nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are diminished, making the soil less fertile.
Compacted, Less Porous Soil: With fewer microorganisms aerating the soil, it becomes dense and compact, reducing its ability to hold water and making it harder for plants to establish strong root systems.
Increased Dependence on Chemical Inputs: As soil health deteriorates, farmers may find themselves needing to use even more synthetic fertilizers and soil amendments to compensate for the lack of natural fertility, creating a vicious cycle of chemical dependence.
Monoculture Farming Leads to Biodiversity Loss
Monoculture farming is the practice of growing the same crop over vast expanses of land, and it has become increasingly common with GMO crops. While it may seem efficient, this approach comes with significant downsides.
Loss of Genetic Diversity: By planting a single variety of a crop year after year, farmers eliminate the genetic variety that helps protect against disease and pests. If a particular pest or disease targets that crop, it can spread rapidly and wipe out entire fields because there is no genetic variation to slow it down.
Vulnerability to Crop Failure: Diverse farming systems can withstand environmental stresses better because different crops react differently to challenges like droughts, floods, or pest invasions. Monoculture farms, however, are far more vulnerable, if one thing goes wrong, the entire harvest can be lost.
Harm to Pollinators and Wildlife: Large monoculture fields often lack wildflowers, trees, and other habitats that support pollinators like bees and butterflies. These beneficial insects are critical for pollination, and their decline can create a ripple effect, further weakening entire ecosystems.
Herbicide-Resistant Weeds Are on the Rise
When glyphosate-resistant GMO crops were first introduced, the goal was to simplify weed control. Farmers could spray their fields with herbicide without worrying about harming the crop itself. But nature is adaptable. Over time, certain weeds developed resistance to glyphosate, becoming what farmers refer to as “superweeds.”
Superweeds are robust, fast-growing weeds that can withstand herbicides that once killed them. In response to the rise of superweeds, many farmers have resorted to spraying their fields with higher concentrations of glyphosate or using a cocktail of stronger herbicides. This increases the amount of chemicals introduced into the environment, further impacting soil, water, and surrounding ecosystems.
In the long run, this decline in soil health can lead to desertification, where once-productive farmland becomes barren and unable to support crops. Monoculture farming, which is often associated with GMO production, further weakens agricultural systems by reducing genetic diversity and making crops more vulnerable to pests, disease, and environmental changes. The excessive use of herbicides has also led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant "superweeds," forcing farmers to apply stronger chemicals or higher doses just to maintain control. Instead of simplifying farming, GMO-related herbicide use has created an escalating battle between farmers and nature, one with devastating long-term consequences for the environment, and future generations.
4 Main Problems and Objections We at Lost Coast Plant Therapy Have with GMOs
1. Nature Cannot Do This on Its Own
We believe that scientists and doctors still do not fully understand the complexities of natural ecosystems and the human body well enough to predict the long-term effects of genetic modifications. Altering the genome of plants at a molecular level introduces traits that nature could never achieve independently, and with this experimentation comes significant uncertainty. When we go against nature by creating something it cannot produce on its own, we are taking a gamble, not just with our own future but with the future of the planet’s ecosystems and all living beings.
At Lost Coast Plant Therapy, we believe that no individual, company, or organization has the right to conduct experiments of this scale that affect the entire planet without universal consent. The world’s population should not be treated as unwitting test subjects for profit-driven experimentation.
2. Pesticide Embedded in Plants Stays Active Indefinitely
One of the most concerning types of genetic modification is the engineering of plants to produce their own pesticides. While genetic modification has many forms, we believe that this particular application has especially troubling implications.
In genetically modified “BT” crops, the pesticide is not an external spray that can be washed off, it is embedded within the plant at a genetic level. This means the pesticide becomes an inseparable part of the plant’s structure and remains active long after the crop has been harvested. Whether the crop is processed into food for humans or used as animal feed, the pesticide remains present.
As a result, any insect that eats the crop is exposed to a lethal dose of pesticide, as intended. However, this extends to everything else in the food chain, including animals and people who consume the plants. Unlike conventional pesticide applications that dissipate over time, this built-in pesticide does not "wash away" or become neutral.
Corporations that produce these crops claim that the pesticide levels present in the plants are within an "acceptable" range for human consumption. But is there really such a thing as an "acceptable" dose of poison in your food? Is it truly safe to ingest small amounts of toxins on a regular basis? At Lost Coast Plant Therapy, we do not believe so.
Our commitment to health and safety led us to create an alternative pesticide that DOES NOT use any form of poison. We also went to great lengths to source certified organic and non-GMO ingredients for our product because we believe that what we use on our plants should support our health, not compromise it.
3. Corporate Ownership and Control
What is your opinion about a few corporations “owning” your food, your access to seeds, your access or permission to be able to grow their crop? This is the case with GMO crops. They are not free, they are not owned by you. Growing them does not make them yours.
What does it create when you, as an individual, become dependent on an outside source for access to food? Dependent on their permission. Dependent on what they choose to set as pricing for access to the seeds or plants. Dependent on whether they give you access at all.
We strongly object to the private ownership of seeds and plants as patented products. From our point of view, it is like charging money for the air you breathe. It’s one thing to have a business farming, it’s something altogether different when a single entity claims ownership of what they are farming to the exclusion of all others.
The companies who own these genetically modified plants can sue you, the farmer, for patent infringement if you are found replanting their seeds from the previous year’s crop. You can even get sued for patent infringement if pollen from GMO crops next door drifts onto your field and causes your crop to become GMO by cross-pollination. This is not theoretical. These lawsuits have happened, and the farmer usually loses because patent law is so strongly in favor of the owner of a patent.
Everyone should have the freedom to grow plants, collect seeds, and replant them.
There is growing pressure to create stricter and stricter rules around gardening. For example, you can grow your own food in your yard for yourself, but you must have a permit to share that food with your neighbor or donate it to a local food pantry.
In some extreme cases, restrictions have been placed on the types of crops you can grow based on zoning regulations or aesthetic ordinances designed to maintain a "uniform" neighborhood appearance, as though front-yard gardens or fruit trees are somehow undesirable.
These types of rules have sparked concern among advocates of food sovereignty, who see this trend as a fundamental interference with the basic human right to grow and share food. The conversation around these restrictions has grown to such an extent that states like Illinois and Florida have taken action by passing "Right to Garden" laws. These laws are designed to protect individuals from unjust regulations that limit their ability to grow and share food on their own property. In Illinois, for example, the "Right to Garden" law explicitly prevents municipalities from prohibiting residents from maintaining vegetable gardens on their private property. Florida’s law, passed in 2020, similarly prevents local governments from banning residential vegetable gardens.
We strongly believe that everyone should have the freedom to choose whether they want to grow their own food, share their harvest, or rely on non-GMO, organic, and local food sources. We believe that food freedom, the ability to grow, share, and eat what you cultivate without unnecessary restrictions, is a basic right that should not be controlled or limited by regulatory bodies.
4. Unknown Health Effects on the Environment, Animals, and Humans
There is a lot of "scientific" evidence presented to support the claim that GMOs are safe, but are they really?
First, it is crucial to ask who conducted these studies. Who funded the research that concluded GMOs are safe, and what were the motivations behind their findings? Many corporations fund research studies designed to produce favorable results that align with their business interests. In such cases, "independent" research is often anything but independent.
It is very important to follow the money trail for the research that claims to "prove" that GMOs are safe. There is extensive and growing documentation by scientists, doctors, and individuals who have personally experienced detrimental health effects from around the world.
Another issue is transparency. Because these genetically modified plants are protected by patents, corporations are not obligated to release their research data to the public. This lack of transparency is concerning. Are we, the public, simply supposed to trust the goodwill and benevolence of these companies who have a vested financial interest in monopolizing the market with their products?
Second, around the world, nature shows a variety of interesting examples demonstrating the negative effects of GMOs. Did you know that wild animals, if given the choice between a GMO crop and a natural crop growing side by side, will almost always avoid the GMO and choose the natural option? Wild animals are typically only seen eating GMO crops or food when they are starving and have no other food available. What do they instinctively know that we do not?
There is also the issue of "superbugs." Did you know that insects are highly adaptable to their environment and that, due to decades of heavy pesticide use, many insects have evolved to resist the pesticides they are exposed to? Many companies that manufacture pesticides, which use poison as their mode of action, have had to continuously alter their formulations to prevent insects from becoming immune to their effects. This only worsens the problem, as companies are forced to develop stronger, more potent pesticides in an ongoing battle against resistant insects. Of course, they only discovered this after inadvertently creating insects that are completely unaffected by their poisonous concoctions.
GMO plants with pesticide are indiscriminate killers. What does that mean? The pesticide embedded in the plants does not distinguish between harmful pests and beneficial insects like bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, it simply kills them all. This means that insects vital to the entire world’s ecology, such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs, are also killed. Additionally, insects that have fed on GMO plants and are then eaten by larger critters, such as rodents or birds, are affected, causing illness and/or death in those animals as well.
If these plants have such drastic effects on wildlife, what are they doing to the humans and animals that consume them? The Non-GMO Project considers any product with 0.5% or more GMO content by weight to be "high risk" for consumers. Considering how pervasive GMO crops are in the world and noting the general worldwide decline in people’s health, could GMOs themselves be part of the cause of this health decline? Are you comfortable being a test subject to find out? Because, in many ways, we already are.
Remember, 93% of corn and 94% of soybeans grown in the U.S. are GMO. Additionally, 1% of potatoes, 90% of papayas, 5% of summer squash, 95% of canola, 15% of alfalfa, 98% of sugar beets, and 2% of sugarcane are also GMO crops. If you eat these foods, that is your percentage likelihood of already consuming GMO. Only if it is certified organic or verified/certified non-GMO can you be sure it is NOT GMO. Otherwise, assume that it is.
NOTE: Wheat is now being developed to be "Roundup Ready," meaning it will be genetically engineered to withstand glyphosate herbicide without dying. Evidence shows that when farmers grow Roundup Ready crops, they often use more herbicides, not less, because they no longer fear harming their crops. Previously, overusing herbicides risked killing the crops themselves, but now that these crops are engineered to survive the chemical, farmers tend to apply it more liberally, both directly on the crops and on the surrounding fields that produce our food and feed for livestock. This increased use of chemicals has significant consequences for the food we consume and the environment.
Understanding the Impact of Genetically Modified Foods on Human Health
The debate surrounding genetically modified foods (GMOs) extends beyond farming practices and directly impacts human health and consumer choice. As previously mentioned, genetically engineered crops, often referred to as bioengineered foods, are designed to withstand heavy herbicide use. These transgenic plants, created using genetic technologies, have raised concerns about potential health impacts and a lack of transparency within the food industry.
One of the primary concerns is the potential presence of allergens in modified food. Since genetic engineering often involves inserting genes from unrelated species, there is always the possibility of introducing new allergenic proteins into foods containing GMOs. For this reason, advocates for transparency argue that it is critical for food manufacturers to provide clear labeling, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about what they are eating. Unfortunately, current regulations around bioengineered food labeling in the U.S. remain vague, often using terms like "bioengineered" instead of "genetically modified" to soften consumer perception.
See more on GMO Labeling rules here.
Organizations like the Non-GMO Project Verified program play a key role in offering third-party verification for consumers who want to avoid bioengineered foods. Their seal is one of the most recognized symbols indicating that a product has been rigorously evaluated and is free from genetic modification. In the United States, the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard, which took effect on January 1, 2022, mandates disclosure of bioengineered foods but has been critiqued for its limited scope and potential to confuse consumers. However, until comprehensive and transparent labeling becomes standard practice, consumers must remain vigilant.
Ultimately, the impact of genetically modified foods on human health is an ongoing area of research, but the lack of transparency from food manufacturers and limited access to unbiased research data only heightens concerns.
In Conclusion: What Can We Do?
The world is shaped by the choices we make as individuals every single day. When we change our choices, we change the direction of our lives, and collectively, the future of the world.
So, what choices are you making when it comes to your food? Are you aware of where your food comes from? Are you or your community growing any of your own food? These questions are essential when considering the health and environmental impacts of the foods we eat. Many food products, especially processed foods, contain ingredients that are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), yet many consumers remain unaware of their presence.
Around the globe, there are movements of people, companies, and products dedicating themselves to providing a different path, a different choice. These are choices, practices, and products that already work in harmony with nature, regenerating the earth's natural functions and causing no harm in either their production or use.
What we focus on grows. The choices we make in our daily lives determine what kinds of products, methods, and companies continue to thrive. Every dollar we spend supports the system behind the product. When we choose products labeled as certified organic or non-GMO, we are signaling to food retailers that there is a demand for cleaner, healthier food products. By making conscious decisions, we can shift demand toward more sustainable options and reduce the risk to human health posed by the overuse of genetic engineering and synthetic chemicals.
Key Areas to Strengthen Self-Sufficiency and Sustainable Food Practices
Food Sources
Community Gardens
Establishing a community vegetable and fruit garden can be a powerful way to create local food security. Even a small area of land can yield a surprisingly large amount of fresh, nutritious food. Where outdoor farming isn’t possible due to climate, indoor growing systems or greenhouses can be effective alternatives. Community gardens foster connection across all age groups, provide economic relief by sourcing food close to home, and support healthier bodies through access to vibrant, nutrient-rich produce.
Organizations like Kiss the Ground offer valuable education and resources for starting such initiatives, making it easier for communities to develop sustainable gardening projects.
Composting
One of the simplest ways to participate in the cycle of life is through composting! By collecting food scraps and allowing them to break down naturally, you can create nutrient-rich soil that can be used to support community gardens and local farms. Composting reduces food waste and returns valuable nutrients to the earth, closing the loop in the food system and enriching the soil for healthier, more productive crops.
Food Banks
Consider the quality of food available at your local food banks. Is it locally sourced? Is it minimally processed? Is it GMO-free? Where else can you source your food?
Heirloom Seeds
Heirloom seeds, those passed down for generations, preserve biodiversity and provide an alternative to genetically modified crops. Across the world, individuals, nonprofit organizations, and seed-saving groups are working to safeguard heirloom seeds and ensure access to a wide variety of crops. Supporting heirloom seed initiatives can help protect the genetic diversity of our global food supply.
Buy Local
Supporting local farms and ranches helps keep money in the community, reduces the carbon footprint of your food, and often provides you with fresher, more nutrient-dense produce. There are growing networks that map local farms across the U.S. (MyHealthForward.com is one example), making it easier than ever to find nearby sources of non-GMO, sustainable food.
Buy Certified Organic and Verified Non-GMO Products
Choosing certified organic and verified non-GMO products is another way to avoid genetically modified foods. Certified organic products cannot contain any GMO ingredients, making them a safe choice for for now. Also, verified non-GMO labels, such as those from the Non-GMO Project, provide additional assurance that the product has been rigorously evaluated and meets strict non-GMO standards.
Farming Methods
There is a wealth of traditional and innovative farming knowledge that can reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic pesticides and herbicides. Natural, sustainable farming methods not only protect the environment but can also produce high-quality yields without harmful side effects. Additionally, there is the simple choice to replace traditional chemical-based pesticides with the growing number of products in the Minimum Risk category, such as Lost Coast Plant Therapy and many others, that provide effective pest control without compromising safety.
Cultural Farming Practices
What farming, hunting, or land stewardship methods are part of your cultural heritage? Many Indigenous and ancestral practices are rooted in a deep understanding of the land and have successfully supported communities for centuries. Reviving and sharing this knowledge can empower future generations and offer sustainable alternatives to industrial farming.
Is your Nation or community actively practicing these traditional methods? Are there ways to expand or further develop programs that educate others about these valuable skills and knowledge? What unique products, crops, or practices from your cultural heritage could be brought to market to support both cultural preservation and food sovereignty?
By asking these questions, we can reflect on the strengths within our cultural traditions and explore how they can shape modern, sustainable agricultural systems that honor both the environment and our ancestral roots.
Biodynamic Farming
Biodynamic farming is one of the most well-developed practices available for working in harmony with nature. This method of organic farming was originally developed by the philosopher and scientist Rudolf Steiner in 1924. Some of its basic tenets include working with the phases of the moon to guide planting cycles and using local plants to create natural fertilizers, natural pest control solutions, and other essential inputs.
Regenerative Farming
Regenerative farming uses natural systems of biodiversity to restore soil health and revitalize the land. Practices like allowing herd animals to roam help break up the soil and fertilize the ground as they move, enriching the land and supporting healthy ecosystems. However, note that the term "regenerative farming" is also beginning to be used by the same corporations responsible for producing the harmful chemicals that degrade the environment. They are hijacking the term for greenwashing their advertising. So, do your homework and seek out farms and products that practice true regenerative farming principles.
Locally Suitable Crops and Animals
Every region has unique resources that can support certain crops and livestock more effectively. Understanding what grows best in your area and supporting those crops or animals helps reduce resource waste and supports ecological harmony.
What unique resources does your region offer that could benefit the world market? Are you making them available for purchase, or finding ways to share their value with your community?
Demand Proper Labeling
Whether you believe GMOs are a good idea or not, as a consumer, it seems reasonable to require proper labeling. Right now, in the U.S., there are no regulations forcing companies to clearly state that they have used GMO ingredients on their packaging. We, the public, can demand that our representatives in government require obvious labeling of food (for both people and animals) that contains GMO or bioengineered ingredients.
Natural Alternatives to Harmful Chemicals
Around the world, there are practices and products, both old and new, that align with nature to enhance the success of crops. I encourage everyone to explore the wealth of natural solutions that are already abundantly available.
Natural Fertilizers
Natural methods for improving crop yields and protecting plants from pests have existed for thousands of years, long before synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides were developed. Traditional farmers enriched the soil using natural amendments like compost, manure, and nitrogen-fixing plants. These time-tested methods supported healthy crops without damaging the soil’s microbiome.
Today, advancements in agricultural technology have made natural fertilizers even more effective, combining ancient wisdom with modern innovations to support healthy soil and productive crops, without the harmful side effects associated with synthetic inputs.
Minimum-Risk Pesticides
Transitioning to minimum-risk pesticides is an easy and impactful way to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. These products use natural, plant-based ingredients to deter pests and prevent disease without introducing poisons into the environment. Using products from this category is an easy way to start transitioning to a more natural form of food production that still provides effective insect and disease control without the unwanted side effects of chemical use.
Companies like Lost Coast Plant Therapy offer a minimum-risk pesticide made from natural and organic ingredients that does not rely on toxic chemicals, providing a safer solution for both crops and consumers.
Your Choices Shape the Future
The choices we make today will determine the kind of world we leave behind for future generations. By supporting sustainable practices, growing our own food, and choosing non-GMO, organic products whenever possible, we can shift the market toward healthier, safer, and more ethical food production. Small, intentional actions, like joining a community garden, supporting local farmers, or planting heirloom seeds, add up to meaningful change over time.
Many traditional pesticides introduce toxic chemicals that harm not only pests but also beneficial insects, soil health, and our also health. Instead, using minimum-risk pesticides, like the plant-based, gentle, and effective formula we’ve developed at Lost Coast Plant Therapy, can control pests without compromising the safety of your crops, your home, your pets, or your environment. These solutions demonstrate that you don’t have to choose between productivity and safety.
When we make mindful decisions to purchase non-GMO products, support organic growers, and demand transparency from food manufacturers, we send a clear message to the food industry: we value our health and the health of our planet over corporate convenience and chemical dependency.
Every decision we make, whether it’s planting a garden, choosing a verified non-GMO product, or using a minimum-risk pesticide instead of a synthetic one, sends a message about the future we want to create.
Together, we can advocate for a food system that prioritizes health, biodiversity, and sustainability over corporate control and chemical dependency. Remember, each choice you make, no matter how small, sends a message about the future you want to see.
