Pinetree Garden Seeds has always been non-GMO
Pinetree Garden Seeds has pledged to never knowingly sell GMO seeds. Many of you have contacted us asking about Pinetree’s position on genetically modified seeds and the recent acquisition of small companies by larger corporations. After 40 years, Pinetree remains a small family owned business. We have never, and will never, sell any genetically modified seeds and strive to operate with integrity and transparency in all dealings while supporting our customers in their efforts to make informed decisions about their food and their environment. As our founder, Richard Meiners, has said: “We sell no seed that has been developed using genetic manipulation. We do not view technologies as being good or bad things in themselves, but people can certainly employ them in pernicious ways. We also think that developing countries are best served, focusing on the agricultures that they have the material and manpower for. Not some Western notion that ignores indigenous materials and tastes.”
Additionally, Pinetree has signed the Safe Seed Pledge as an effort to make clear our stance on this issue and our support for those fighting against the political landscape that allows more and more GMO presence. The Safe Seed Pledge: "Agriculture and seeds provide the basis upon which our lives depend. We must protect this foundation as a safe and genetically stable source for future generations. For the benefit of all farmers, gardeners and consumers who want an alternative, we pledge that we do not knowingly buy, sell or trade genetically engineered seeds or plants. The mechanical transfer of genetic material outside of natural reproductive methods and between genera, families or kingdoms, poses great biological risks as well as economic, political, and cultural threats. We feel that genetically engineered varieties have been insufficiently tested prior to public release. More research and testing is necessary to further assess the potential risks of genetically engineered seeds. Further, we wish to support agricultural progress that leads to healthier soils, genetically diverse agricultural ecosystems and ultimately healthy people and communities."
In the interest of full disclosure, Pinetree has purchased seeds from Seminis in the long distant past. We have not purchased their seeds for many years, nor do we intend to in the future. Our relationship with Seminis predates the Monsanto acquisition by many years and we had always felt they were a responsible company but have chosen not to support Monsanto in any capacity. Pinetree will continue to meet the needs of the home gardener and provide our customers with more and more organic and heirloom choices in the coming years. We are committed to the ideals of sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship and appreciate your support. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
- Melissa