WASHINGTON, DC (July 6, 2000)-In a letter to members of Congress today, the National Farmers Union (NFU) urged the approval of funding requested by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) to develop new methods and testing procedures to ensure accurate identification of agricultural products derived from biotechnology.
"Consumers, farmers and others need an objective, reliable, certified public testing program to determine whether the products they buy or sell have been genetically modified," said NFU President Leland Swenson. "This modest expenditure will go a long way toward providing the valuable information producers, processors and merchandisers need in meeting the consumer demands of a market that is growing increasingly conscious of biotechnology in food. It will augment the valuable food quality information to which Americans have become accustomed and which is being demanded by overseas markets."
The importance of this testing program is apparent given the growing development and commercial application of biotechnology in agriculture. A broad range of consumer issues related to product safety, labeling and health attributes have risen with the use of this technology. Also production, domestic market and export trade considerations are matters greatly affected by the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMO). Farmers Union advocates objective public testing and research to identify the presence of these organisms and, the long- and short-term effects to producers and consumers of GMO.
"With the debate over genetically modified crops raging in the United States and across the globe, it is imperative that accurate information be available to respond to the consumer questions regarding the composition of food products," said Swenson. "With the planting of genetically modified corn down more than 20 percent this year, it is clear that farmers are concerned about consumer preferences when they make production decisions. In order for growers to make these critical management decisions, accurate, reliable information must be available."
The GIPSA funding request for nearly $2 million is to establish an appropriate laboratory within existing USDA facilities and employ the necessary personnel to conduct research to determine the presence of genetically modified material.
"Whether one is an advocate or opponent of this new technology, the ability to conduct accurate and unbiased public testing of products for the presence of GMO is a critical element in reconciling many of the issues that have risen since bio-engineered products have entered the marketplace," said Swenson. "Farmers Union sees this as a modest expenditure compared to the current and future costs to farmers, ranchers and consumers if this quality assurance resource is not implemented.":
