The public discussion that is occurring in Vermont on the use of genetically engineered (GE) seeds and plants is deliberately misleading farmers and consumers alike. It’s time for the proponents of agricultural genetically engineered technology to speak up and counter the confusion and misinformation that is being disseminated by the opposition.

Throughout the recent debate regarding genetically modified corn pollen, the opposition is “crying wolf.” Organic corn growers are not negatively affected, as suggested, by GE corn pollen moving from one field to another. The USDA National Organic Standards clearly state that if organic growers follow the “organic process” for growing crops, the crops are considered organic. In fact, organic growers are not required to test their produce to prove that they meet the organic standards mandated by USDA.

Agriculture is a business affected by many variables, and one that utilizes the elements that are available to all farmers. USDA’s organic standards are not meant to certify organic produce is 100 percent pure and free of all non-organic substances, as this is impossible due to many environmental variables. Agricultural inputs, such as fertilizer and sprays, are highly regulated but may remain in the environment in certain instances, despite a farmer’s best efforts to manage them appropriately. That’s why the organic certification process remains process-based, requiring farmers to limit, to the best of their ability, exposure to prohibited materials.

It is important for all farmers to co-exist in today’s modern food production industry. Conventional farmers who employ the use of new and innovative crop inputs must work diligently to eliminate any type of input drift from their farms. Additionally, organic growers must be tolerant of conventional farmers who choose to use new technologies.

It is important to promote the merits of the production practices of all farms in a positive manner, as the common goal is to remain competitive in an increasingly demanding production environment.

In closing, the politics that surround the GE and strict liability debate do nothing to benefit farmers. The misinformation deceives consumers and leads them to believe there is something wrong with food produced by modern production practices. Vermont farmers – small, large, organic and conventional – need to work together. Given a level playing field in the public debate about agricultural practices and the use of new technologies, Vermont’s farmers will continue to produce wholesome, high quality and locally grown food for all of us to enjoy.

The author is President, Green Mountain Federation of Dairy Farm Cooperatives.

Source:

Leon Graves. Discussion of GE seeds, plants is misleading. The County Courier (Vermont) (9.2.06) (http://www.thecountycourier.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=2620&I) (reproduced with permission)

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