Some of the most insightful testimony on the Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) liability bill (April 24) pointed out that conventional growers as well as growers with organic certification serve markets that demand genetically engineered (GE)-free products. So the divide is not between organic and conventional farmers, but between the biotech industry and GE-free advocates.

Bill opponents testified that GM crops are safe and are planted to reduce pesticide use. In response, supporters of LD 1650 pointed out that genetic modification is a haphazard experimental process that relies on the profligate use of pesticides. Damage to soil microorganisms and beneficial insects is inevitable, as is the reality of herbicide-resistant weeds. When weeds become resistant to herbicides, more chemical use is considered necessary to eradicate them.

A federal district judge ruled last month that USDA must halt all new field trials of GM crops until more rigorous environmental reviews are conducted (www.non-gmoreport.com). Why? Because escaping pollen threatens public health and the environment. Although multiple farmers testified that it's impossible to build fences high enough or tight enough to keep out pollen drift, Robert Tardy of the Biotechnology Industry Organization wants LD 1650 amended to require organic (non-GMO) growers to establish buffer zones to prevent commingling. This is tacit admission that genetic drift onto non-GMO fields will ruin farm operations, both conventional and organic, whose marketing depends on being GE-free.

Jody Spear

Harborside for Sierra Club