Farmers from the United States and Canada Tuesday told delegates to the biosafety protocol in Montreal to "look beyond the fear mongering" and study the facts about biotechnology and the positive impact it has on farming and the environment.

"Biotechnology corn means I'm applying fewer insecticides on my crops," said Bob Boeding, corn farmer from Lawler, IA. "This's good for my health, for my family's health and for the environment."

In addition to reducing chemical use, biotechnology lowers farm costs, said Boeding. Not having to spray crops saves beneficial insects that otherwise might be killed by the insecticides.

Michael Yost, Murdock, MN, soybean farmer, said biotechnology soybean crops undergo rigorous scrutiny before being marketed. "Between 1,700 and 1,800 tests have been applied to these products by regulatory and scientific authorities," he said. "In the United States, the biotech soybean product was approved by all required regulatory agencies, including reviews and assessments by the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug Administration and the USDA."

Terry Wolf, corn farmer from Homer, IL, urged delegates not to do anything "that will slam the door on the very promising future of biotechnology products. Today we know that biotechnology has allowed farmers to produce healthier crops that are disease and pest resistant. In the not too distant future, we will see seeds that resist drought and contain significant nutrient content."

Earl Geddes, an official with the Canadian Wheat Board and a western Canada farmer, said biotechnology is a staple tool in global food production. He pledged farmers' willingness to see a workable protocol established.

"We are looking for a successful protocol that will allow global consumers access to the benefits of transgenic crops," Geddes said. "Such a protocol will meet the rights and obligations of all countries without blocking access to products."