|
|
 
|
Monsanto rep. fields tough questions from wheat farmers (Monday, April 7, 2003 -- CropChoice news) -- The following is a news release from the Northern Plains Resource Council.
CONTACT: Amy Frykman, Northern Plains' staff; 406-248-1154
BILLINGS - A representative of Monsanto Co - a biotech company seeking
to introduce genetically engineered wheat into Montana - fielded tough
questions from Montana wheat farmers last night at a public presentation
at Rocky Mountain College.
Trent Clark, director of public and government affairs for Monsanto's
phosphorus business in Soda Springs, Idaho, traveled to Montana to
discuss corporate responsibility at a public lecture. Farmers and other
concerned citizens attended the presentation to voice concerns about
Monsanto's plans in introduce genetically engineered wheat into Montana.
"Mr. Clark talked a lot about how Monsanto values listening," said Dan
Dutton, a Belfry farmer and member of Northern Plains Resource Council.
"I'd like to see them listen to farmers who are buying their seed and
listen to the customers who are buying our product down the road. Our
customers won't accept genetically engineered wheat. Why should we plant
what we can't sell?"
Two out of three bushels of Montana's wheat are exported to countries
that have repeatedly said they will not buy genetically engineered
wheat. Because grain storage and shipping systems are not equipped to
keep genetically engineered grains separate from traditional varieties,
many worry the commercial introduction of Monsanto's wheat could hurt
all Montana wheat farmers.
A recent study by Dr. Robert Wisner - a leading grain market economist -
indicates that Montana could lose up to 50% of its foreign market for
hard red spring wheat, in addition to suffering a 30% devaluation of
wheat, if "Roundup Ready" wheat is commercially introduced in the next
two to five years.
Monsanto's "Roundup Ready" wheat is genetically engineered to be
resistant to the herbicide Roundup. Monsanto has moved forward with
plans to introduce its wheat into Montana and other states by 2005.
Several measures aimed at protecting wheat farmers from economic damages
caused by the introduction of genetically engineered failed to win
lawmakers' approval at the 2003 Montana Legislature. One final measure -
a study resolution providing for further study of the issue before the
next session, will be heard by the Senate Agriculture Committee on April
9th.
NOTE: Dr. Robert Wisner's study on genetically engineered wheat's
impacts on Montana's export markets is available at:
http://www.northernplains.org
###
Amy Frykman | |
