Copyright Prairie Grains Magazine
February 2001

Hodge Podge GMO Laws Would Be Misguided

It’s possible that Minnesota lawmakers could approve legislation this session that would regulate genetically-engineered agricultural commodities and/or food products in the state. Moreover, I hear rumors of some in one state who want to see a moratorium put in place on the research and development of Roundup Ready wheat.

Regardless of your views on biotechnology, you might agree that a hodge podge of various state laws, resolutions, and directives would further confuse an already confusing issue.

For that matter, I don’t understand at all why some oppose biotech research, even so far as to destroy plant trials (if you recall, this happened in our own backyard at the University of Minnesota) that would help provide the very information needed to help understand the technology better, and thus allay fears of it.

A spirited debate by state lawmakers on how biotechnology may affect a state’s consumers, producers, agriculture, and food is constructive, if only to help raise public awareness of the issue. But passing a law would be misguided. Indeed, such an undertaking would be more appropriate at the federal level. A reasonable, standardized way of handling and marketing genetically-engineered commodities and food products is best.

We as farmers need to stay at the forefront of this issue, to ensure that GMO regulations aren’t passed that would negatively affect our livelihood. We need to be involved in the development of this technology, to be sure it is managed according to the wishes of our markets and our customers.

U.S. Wheat Associates, America’s wheat export development and promotion organization, developed a position on biotechnology last summer. Declaring that the customer comes first, USW announced a major effort to develop a system to ensure that wheat importers around the world will always be able to get non-genetically modified U.S. wheat, if that is what the buyer wants.

USW adopted a biotechnology policy that states “the U.S. wheat industry commits itself absolutely to the principle that our customers’ needs and preferences are the most important consideration.” The policy position was developed in cooperation with the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee and the National Association of Wheat Growers.

The U.S. Wheat Industry’s Biotechnology Position Statement, along with a biotechnology definition, goal and plan of action adopted by USW, WETEC, and NAWG, can be found online at www.wheatworld.org. Click on the biotechnology link.

Art Brandli, Chairman, Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council, Warroad, MN