Reading a publication by the North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX, "The
Handbook for Fruit Explorers," Ram Fishman, 1986), I found an interesting
insight that may explain the greater resistance to GM crops in Great
Britain than in the U.S.:
As Europe emerged from the Dark Ages, the cloistered gardens of monasteries
became models for the walled gardens of the High Middle Ages. By the time
of the Renaissance, gardening for beauty and pleasure had become a
widespread enthusiasm of the more affluent classes, and fruit culture
naturally benefited from this overall resurgence of horticultural interest.
In many ways, this renaissance in gardening was inspired by the biblical
image of paradise as a fruit garden. The English in particular were
fascinated by the pious pleasure afforded the gardener skilled in the
culture of fruit trees. While we may appreciate the English
horticulturalist's inspiration to create a paradise imbued with sober
Christian values, *we must also recognize in the British character a more
earthly passion for plant life that goes back to the forest altars of Druid
priests.* (p.9)
("emphasis" mine)
Jane Sooby
technical program coordinator
Organic Farming Research Foundation
P.O. Box 440
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
831-426-6606
831-426-6670 fax
831-460-9713 home
www.ofrf.org
jane@ofrf.org
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