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| Reader upset with story on biotech traits |
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Dear Editors,
I must respond to the article published in the Feb. 18 edition of Farm World regarding the approval of Syngenta’s Amylase Event 3272. (Editor’s Note: The story was titled CFS opposing approval of GMO corn for ethanol on page 1) It is unfortunate that Farm World chose to publish such a one-sided story on a very important subject. Nowhere in the article was there any kind of opposing view or response from another perspective.
Acknowledging the Center for Food Safety (CFS) as the authority for the U.S. food supply does a disservice to the regulatory agencies in our government. There has never been more scrutiny in approving any kind of food or feed trait than there has been with the biotech traits currently available for use on the farm. Today’s new traits must receive both feed and food approval before being grown, and Event 3272 has indeed received both feed and food approval in the U.S. So, to compare this event with events in the past that had only feed approval is not a fair comparison.
Also, to the statement that no serious consideration was given to “potential impacts on human health, the environment, or the economy” had to be said by someone not knowing or understanding what all is involved in the rigorous approval process currently in place. Those considerations are the backbone of the U.S. approval process. In the 13 years of growing crops with biotech traits in this country, there has never been a proven case of even a sniffle being caused by these traits, including those past products which were never meant for human consumption.
Our regulatory agencies have continually strengthened the approval process to ensure consumers are offered a safe and nutritious food supply that they can trust. In the future, I would suggest that Farm World present a more balanced approach in reporting such an important subject. Inciting fear and doubt without telling the whole story is not helpful in disseminating the whole truth.
The future holds tremendous promise in developing those traits that not only can save precious natural resources, but also offer more nutrition and value to our consumers. The scrutiny required by our regulatory agencies will ensure these new opportunities will indeed be safe.
Respectfully submitted,
Fred Yoder — Plain City, Ohio |
| 2/25/2009 |
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