Corn Growers Urge Support of Bt Re-registration

August 28, 2001

The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) has posted on its web site an action alert urging corn growers and other Bt supporters to contact the Environmental Protection Agency in support of Bt re-registration. Letters are addressed to the EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs, which is accepting comments until Friday, August 31.

"By using the action alert, growers can e-mail to the EPA a prepared letter outlining support for Bt technology. That letter, which explains the importance of targeting damaging pests without harming beneficial insects, emphasizes the importance of farmer accessibility to the technology," NCGA said.

"The letter explains how U.S. farmers must continue to have accessibility to Bt technology in order to produce a healthier crop and continue to provide a safe food supply," said Rick Tolman, NCGA executive vice president and CEO. "It goes on to say that without Bt technology, up to 7% of a farmer's crop can be lost to destructive insect pests. In addition, the technology helps farmers grow a safer product for both human and animal consumption."

Growers can submit their support for Bt re-registration by clicking on the Action Alert on the NCGA web page: www.ncga.com.

Part of the suggested letter reads: "U.S. farmers must continue to have accessibility to Bt technology in order to produce a healthier crop and continue to provide a safe food supply ... the technology helps farmers grow a safer product for both human and animal consumption.

"I feel it is vital that EPA continues to ensure Bt technology is available to farmers through re-registration of the technology."