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."
