Post-StarLink: What Some Northern Plains Grain Leaders Are Saying

“The Starlink problem should make the grain handlers’ industry more aware of their roles in the movement of grain and the possible affects of co-mingling products. I don’t think GMO research will be impacted very much. However, the results of the research may be treated more carefully and thoughtfully. The process/logistics of handling product will require more attention through businesses like FarmConnect.”
—Art Brandli, a Warroad, MN producer who serves as chairman of the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, and chairman of FarmConnect (www.farmconnect.com), a new effort to align farm producers with marketplace needs.

“North Dakota has been pretty much spared the Starlink problem. But it has served as a warning to wheat growers and handlers. I think the entire grain industry will want to know more about what’s being dumped in its pits. Getting reliable info on that could be a challenge. The spring wheat and durum growing areas might be a little ahead on being able to segregate things because of the various quality specs already demanded by buyers. Up until now corn has been corn, same with soybeans generally speaking. We are seeing some differentiation in those crops too.”
—Steve Strege, Executive Director, North Dakota Grain Dealers Association

“Here are some of my thoughts on what may happen:
•  No company will release a crop that is only partially approved.
•  Companies will think very hard before introducing a crop that is not approved in major export markets.
•  Discussion on the need for tolerances will be continued.
•  Biotech releases will come more slowly and the enthusiasm will be tempered.
•  Biotech research will go on. Many companies cannot turn back and they should not. Perhaps they’ll get more aggressive in looking for output traits that consumers want.
•  We no longer are ignorant about what can happen if GMO grain isn’t managed properly. Everyone now knows. Just say ‘Starlink’ and everyone knows what happened.”
—David Torgerson, Executive Director, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers