This news cuts both ways.
Gov't reimbursement potential but reduced crop plantings.
Corn Growers State That Farmers Should Not Be Blamed for Higher Food Costs Attributed to GMOs
Agriculture Department Should Pay All Farmer Costs for Testing and Segregating
TULSA, Okla., Dec. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- A leading economist for the Federal Reserve Bank is predicting that food costs could increase to the consumer because of the costs of harvesting, segregating, testing and labeling genetically modified (GMO) crops. Mike Singer, Agricultural Economist with the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, also predicted a drop in GMO planted acres for this coming year.
The American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) states very clearly that any increase in food costs should not be blamed on the American farmer. In addition, the ACGA believes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture should pay any cost borne by production agriculture for segregating and testing GMO or non-GMO crops.
``USDA has stated many times that genetically modified crops are safe and marketable. They have approved these products and encouraged farmers to plant them in increased numbers without any concern for risks attributed to loss of marketability due to consumer resistance,' said Gary Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the ACGA. ``Now that higher cost for the planting, harvesting and marketing of GMOs are falling on farmers shoulders, USDA should be responsible for picking up the tab.'
With current commodity prices hitting historic lows, corn producers are seeing a minimal return on the consumer food dollar. In fact, there is only 2 cents worth of corn in a one pound box of corn flakes costing over $3.35. Therefore, the farmer can not be held responsible for any increase in wholesale or retail food costs since the farm-level value is such a miniscule portion of total food prices.
``Since much of the grain handling, grain exporting, agri-processing, wholesale and retail grocery associations have endorsed the continued planting of genetically modified food products, we believe that they should eat any cost increases for food products attributed to GMOs. After all, those who proliferate this technology should pay for its resulting consequences, and not the general public that doesn't even know that GMOs are in their food supply,' added Goldberg.
The ACGA does agree with one comment made by Mr. Singer when he predicted that there could very well be a reduction in GMO planted acres for this coming growing season. That follows statements made by the Corn Growers who have been predicting a 20 to 25 percent decrease in GMO planted acres.
``Everywhere we turn, more and more problems exist for production agriculture brought about by genetically modified crops. Farmers must decide for themselves whether any perceived benefits outweigh the growing risks to the continued planting of GMOs,' concluded Goldberg.
SOURCE: The American Corn Growers Association
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