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Genetically modified (GM) crops are causing cost increases
for organic foods, which promise to be free of biotechnology,
pesticides and other unnatural additions.
About 11 percent of farmers perform DNA tests on their crops
to detect genetically modified organisms, according to a survey
conducted by the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Other
farmers have implemented more expensive planting processes
or have lost sales due to concerns that their organic crops
were contaminated with genetically altered organisms.
It is becoming harder for U.S. farmers to ensure their crops
are free of genetically altered organisms, and some sales
are being lost to European competitors who can provide more
assurance.
In
2002, U.S. farmers planted GM crops--mostly soy and corn--on
92 million acres. This is up from 4.3 million acres worldwide
in 1996 when GM crops first became commercially available.
Most often, crops are modified to be resistant to weed-killing
chemicals like Roundup. Supporters of GM crops say that the
engineered plants help reduce the amount of herbicides needed,
which saves money and is better for the environment.
Those against GM crops argue that there hasnt been
sufficient testing on the potential long-term health and environmental
risks of biotechnology. More and more consumers are turning
to organic produce as more GM crops increase.
Close to half of organic farmers surveyed by the Organic
Farming Research Foundation said they are concerned that the
seeds they buy are contaminated with genetically modified
organisms. Further, 42 percent said they fear "pollen
drift" from GM crops will contaminate their fields.
New
federal rules on food labeling allow products to contain up
to two percent of genetically modified ingredients unintentionally
mixed in with organic crops. Without genetic tests that cost
more than $300 each, consumers can't be completely assured
their organic products are 100 percent GMO free.
In Europe, consumers wont accept any percentage of
genetically modified ingredients in organic food.
USA
Today June 4, 2003
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