New York Lawmakers consider Labeling Genetically Modified Foods and Seeds
Over the past few years, several U.S. states have taken on the issue of biotechnology and genetically modified foods. Some states have restricted the growing of genetically engineered crops in their cities and counties, while other states have passed legislation pre-empting similar measures in their own backyards. Now, legislators in New York are the latest to take on the biotech issue with proposed legislation.
Lawmakers recently introduced a bill that would require the labeling of all seeds that include genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Those involved say the proposed measure helps organic farmers, who fear their crops could be tainted by birds, insects, or wind that could transmit pollen from genetically modified crops, as well as consumers, who fear there isn’t enough information available on the long-range consequences of eating GM foods or the impact that these foods may have on the environment. Sponsors of the proposed measure also say that since genetically modified crops are patented, farmers also fear they could be sued for patent infringement.
Organizations backing the bill include the New York Farm Bureau and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York, who said they back the proposed measure because genetically modified foods are not “natural” and that at the very least, people “need to know what they are purchasing.”
One of the bill’s sponsors is also proposing legislation in New York that makes manufacturers of genetically engineered plants and seeds liable for damages caused as a result of cross-contaminating crops, seeds, or plants.
What surprises me about this proposed legislation in New York is the lack of factual information regarding biotechnology and the benefits of genetically modified foods can provide. Lawmakers are only relying on the fear tactics of the organic lobby who want to keep their crops “natural.” What they don’t seem to consider is the fact that biotechnology simply uses what is found in nature to address the vital needs we face in the world.
The lawmakers also seem to have ignored the countless number of studies that have repeatedly supported the advantages of genetically modified foods, including the 2005 World Health Organization report that said genetically modified foods currently available on the international market have “passed risk assessments and are not likely to, nor have been shown to, present risks for human health”, and the 2004 U.S. National Research Council report that called the fears of the critics of biotechnology and GMOs “scientifically unjustified.”
A 2004 study by the Pew Initiative on Food and Biotechnology found that state legislatures are increasingly debating issues surrounding biotechnology’s use in agriculture. While these debates will certainly continue, lawmakers need to know and consider all of the facts about biotechnology and genetically modified foods before making fair and impartial decisions on such legislation that could eventually impact the lives of individuals they represent, the companies and businesses in their state, and even themselves.
Comments
Nice site!
Posted by: Britney | September 17, 2006 10:50 PM