Corn Growers Group Suggests GMO Alternative Crops

August 26, 1999

The American Corn Growers Association suggests that farmers should look at planting non-genetically engineered crops unless they can be assured there will be a market for GMO (genetically modified) grain and know if USDA will encourage the sale of GMO rain or grain not grown with GMOs.

The ACGA said this was not an issue about health or scientific effects of GMOs but "an issue over production agriculture's inability to answer the many questions that surround this controversial issue."

Gary Goldberg, CEO, said GMOs "have become the albatross around the neck of farmers on issues of trade, labeling, testing, certification, segregation, market availability and agribusiness concentration. Until all these issues are answered, it is best for production agriculture to examine alternatives to planting GMOs."

Among the issues the ACGA wants resolved are how to export GMO grains to "unwilling foreign customers"; whether USDA will encourage the sale of non-GMO crops; who will be responsible for maintaining separate channels for GMO crops and assure the integrity of those crops.

Other issues include markets, trade, testing and related costs, cross pollination and labeling.