Genetic Engineering Companies Cited for Violations in Hawai’i
On August 5 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent
a letter to Pioneer Hi-Bred and Mycogen Seeds, alleging that
the companies violated their permits to grow genetically
engineered (GE) crops in Hawaii. This is the first time in
U.S. history that the EPA has considered taking action against
biotechnology companies doing field tests.
Pioneer Hi-Bred was cited by the EPA for its research station
on Kauai, because they planted experimental corn too close
to other non-genetically modified crops in an unapproved
location. Mycogen Seeds on Moloka'i was accused of failing
to plant trees around its genetically engineered crops to
act as a windbreak to keep the pollen from spreading to other
crops.
The GE corn in question is not for human consumption, but
there is concern about what would happen if these test plots
contaminated near-by crops by cross-pollination. Both
companies are working on creating a type of corn that produces
its own pesticide to kill corn rootworm. This pest supposedly
destroys millions of dollars of corn each year.
The EPA will be making its ruling on the
matter on August 30 and both companies face a fine of up
to $11,000. The Center for Science in the Public Interest
has voiced its concern about these violations and has even
written the EPA to demand 100% inspection of experimental
field trials of GE crops and random inspection of approved
GE crops. Their spokesperson, Gregory Jaffe, said, "it's
very disturbing that biotechnology companies would be doing
field tests that don't meet the conditions needed to ensure
safety for the environment and public health.
This is particularly troubling for both the people and environment
of Hawaii. Over the last several years, Hawaii has become a sort
of guinea pig for genetic engineering field tests. In 2001,
Hawaii had about 1,200 field tests, which were pending, approved,
or completed and this was the most research requests in the
country.
It is estimated that up to 90 million acres of genetic engineered
crops are grown in our country. GE corn now accounts for
about one-third of all corn planted in the U.S. and about
70% of the processed foods on store shelves have GE ingredients.
Harmful allergens, toxins, antibiotic-resistant genes, lowered
nutritional values, and greater pesticide residues are just
a few of the things that have been associated with GE foods
and crops. There are also concerns about the possible negative
impact that GE crops can have on our environment. More and
more, we hear of super pests and super weeds that have come
about due to the introduction of genetic engineering. And
one of the scariest aspects of this problem is that once
a genetically modified organism has been released into the
ecosystem it cannot be taken back.
Down to Earth believes that people have a "right
to know" whether their food contains GE ingredients.
We also support legislation that would require mandatory
safety testing of these foods before they can be sold in
the marketplace. By the way, the best way to avoid GE foods
is to eat certified organic foods, which are by definition
free of GE ingredients.
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