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.