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Farmers, activists urge passage of GE-seed bill (Monday, March 1, 2004 -- CropChoice news) -- Tim McCahill, Associated Press, 02/26/04:
MONTPELIER - Farmers and activists took their concerns
over genetically engineered crops to the Statehouse
Thursday, calling on lawmakers to pass three bills
related to the labeling and use of such crops in
Vermont.
The rally of around 100 people on the front steps of
the Statehouse was organized to coincide with
testimony by officials from Monsanto, one of the
world's largest distributors of agricultural products,
to the House Agriculture Committee on genetically
engineered crops and seeds.
The testimony and the protest outside were the latest
chapters in what has been a charged debate in the
Statehouse recently over the use, and the potential
implications of using, genetically engineered
organisms in Vermont.
Such organisms are typically plants that contain
genetic material from other species such as bacteria.
The process is different from crossbreeding in which
plants within the same species are bred.
Currently there are three bills related to the use of
these organisms in front of lawmakers.
One that would mandate that all genetically engineered
organisms sold in the state be labeled and registered
passed in the Senate last year but is awaiting action
in the House.
Another would allow organic farmers whose crops
cross-pollinate with another farmer's genetically
engineered crops to sue the seed maker. That proposal
has received the support of the chairman of the Senate
Judiciary Committee, where testimony was taken on the
bill Wednesday.
At issue Thursday was a third bill that would put a
two-year moratorium on the use of all genetically
engineered crops in Vermont.
The bill is supported by activists and some farmers,
who argue that more time is needed to study the
effects of genetically modified crops on seed
varieties and human health.
"I feel we're at a crossroads in agriculture here in
Vermont," said Troy farmer Dexter Randall, 58. "We
need to take a time out on GMOs (genetically modified
organisms)."
Similar concerns were echoed by some members of the
agriculture committee as they grilled Monsanto
officials on the safety and testing process of
genetically modified seeds and crops.
"Organic farmers will lose their crop when
(genetically modified) pollen hits their corn," said
Rep. Floyd Nease, D-Johnson. "They lose their ability
to sell the crop."
Floyd was referring to national standards that forbid
any organic crop from containing elements of
genetically modified organisms.
Dr. Harvey Glick, Monsanto's director of scientific
affairs, told lawmakers that organic farms and farms
that use genetically modified crops or seeds can build
buffer zones to reduce the possibility of
cross-pollination.
He also assured the committee that genetically
modified organisms are rigorously tested by Monsanto
scientists before hitting the market.
But Glick's assurances did not seem to convince the
rally-goers, many of whom tried to sit in on the
testimony but could not fit inside the committee room.
The hearing was halted briefly and moved to a larger
room to accomodate the crowd.
"We demand to be heard," said Jim Moulton of GE Free
Vermont, a group that opposes genetic engineering, in
an interview outside of the committee room. "The whole
world is watching us."
Speaking at his weekly press conference, Gov. James
Douglas questioned the constitutionality of the
moratorium on genetically modified seeds and crops.
"I'm not persuaded of the need for them," said Douglas
of the bills calling for the moratorium and
registration of genetically modified organisms sold in
the state. "I support the growth of organic farming,
but we can't do it at the expense of our traditional
farmers." | |
