This is an extremely serious issue for more reasons than at first appear obvious. And I guess this explains the attention on the US side, and the anger at the EU, which is full of crap.
The basic issue is a problem, but not a huge one. I don't believe grain exports to the EU is a large issue at this time. However, the percentage of the crop that goes to the EU may vary from year to year. In fact, it can vary dramatically.
THAT SAID, that US needs to be very concerned about this season's harvest in particular. First, examine the possible implications. If enough farmers are uncomfortable about planting genetically modified crops, and choose other varieties -- or non-food crops -- we could see a net reduction in yield for the season. Also, if farmers choose against GM input-cost-reduced varieties, they will be under additional financial stress, since it will cost them more to grow non-GM crops. Worse yet, now is NOT the time for US farmers to be under additional financial stress -- check out the latest farm income statistics. And, farmers have loans from banks...so if they can't plant GM input-reduced varieties, banks might suffer as well from any losses in farmer productivity.
MOREOVER, there is a much bigger problem on the horizon. That is, by the time the harvest comes in, something else will be upon us, which is indeed unknown and could be catastrophic...that is Y2K. A big issue is that the US needs to be prepared for Y2K on the agricultural front, with as big a harvest of food as possible. This is not only for the benefit of the US, but (much more likely) for other countries in the world who are unprepared, and may experience food and/or crop loss due to breakdowns in refrigeration or logistics. So the US really cannot afford any interruptions to farmers 1999 plans which might affect yield, planting plans, food logistics, or finances.
Indeed, we seem to have a lose-lose situation on hand. The US farmers could be in trouble if they plant GM crops, but if they don't, the banks could be trouble, or the US food supply may not be cushioned sufficiently for Y2K, since the net yield could be lower.
All this...based on nonsense started by subversive environmental groups. But...then again, some of these groups *want* to damage the US and the US farming system, perhaps they deserve applause at this moment? Even the "commies" didn't do this good a job on the US!
(from the news)
03/20 21:34 U.S. farm group says producers need to know GMO risks
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20 (Reuters) - U.S. farmers need to know
that if they choose to plant genetically modified crops, they run the risk of not being able to market their product to foreign customers, a panel |
