(12/12/04) Lately there has been a lot of controversy in Vermont over the use of genetically-modified crops (GMO). There are even signs around the county indicating “Time Out - NO GMO”. Based on what I’ve read, I hesitate to condemn these products because there are just too many good results to throw out all research and its results.

Gene splicing and hybridization have been used for years, resulting in foods such as seedless grapes and oranges. Protein supplements given to cows over the past decade have increased their milk yields without changing the milk itself. Proponents, including our federal government, indicate there is no evidence that GMO foods are harmful.

Genetic engineering may soon make it possible for trees to grow faster, absorb more pollutants and fight diseases without herbicide, according to scientists. Technology has produced Insect and drought resistant soybeans, wheat and cotton that reduce the need for pesticides and costly irrigation. Crop yields have increased as a result. Inserting a daffodil gene for color into white rice can increase the amount of Vitamin A in the rice, preventing blindness in nearly half a million children in developing countries each year. Without genetically modified crops, our ability to fight malnutrition and improve crop yields in undeveloped countries would be severely impacted.

The United Nations recently came out in favor of biotech crops and believes they are helping farmers financially in undeveloped countries with no ill effects on health. It also indicated that the world will have two billion more mouths to feed during the next 30 years and that GMO’s will enable farmers to provide more food. The main problem with this technology to date is that it isn’t moving to undeveloped countries fast enough to help them feed their people.

Dr. Harwig de Haen, assistant director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s economic and social department, indicated that biotechnology isn’t the total panacea to world hunger. However, It can help increase farmer’s crop production and incomes, provide more food and contribute to the nutritional value of crops.

Many acknowledge that helping farmers in the poor countries become more productive is only part of the solution. The farm subsidies American farmers receive undercut farmers in undeveloped countries and make it harder for them to compete in world markets like Europe and the United States. Poor farmers should also be allowed a fair profit and access to world markets.

Vermonters have strong feelings on this issue. Legislation passed this session requires the labeling of seeds if they have genetically engineered traits. We’re the first state in the union with that labeling requirement and it may soon be a requirement at the Federal level as well. However, the GMO’s role in our food supply will grow under careful scrutiny of our regulators who will base their decisions on sound science.

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Thank you for your calls and notes. I can be reached at 658-3975 (home) or via e-mail.

Frank Mazur
Chair of the House Transportation Committee
South Burlington