March 29, 2000 / The Associated Press / PHILIP BRASHER, AP Farm Writer
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman was cited as asking an
advisory committee Wednesday to review the controversial "terminator"
technology developed by department scientists to render seeds sterile.
The process, which prevents farmers from reproducing genetically engineered
seeds, is designed to help seed companies protect their investment in
biotech crops. Critics say it will allow the companies to gain too much
control over farmers, who often save seed from year to year to cut costs.
The Agriculture Department has defended the terminator technology and
refused to relinquish its patent on the process. But, the story says that
Glickman, acknowledging the controversy, was quoted as saying Wednesday the
technology shows how science "can strike a discordant note with some
communities The 38-member advisory committee, which includes farmers, scientists,
consumer advocates and seed company executives, is starting a two-year
review of USDA's role in developing and regulating biotech crops.
(posted without permission)
