Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Pastimes : Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mike McFarland who wrote (73)	12/4/1999 5:41:00 AM
From: Arthur Radley	Respond to of 103

Mike, Sorry to hear the news, but it appears that things are working out for the positive. Our thoughts will be with you and wife. Biotech Foods: Future Foods or Fowl Play? Current Reports Available at NTIS SPRINGFIELD, Va., Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Take a peek inside your refrigerator. Carrots. Apples. Corn. Peppers. At first glance, these products seem familiar, but what you may not realize is amid all the produce staples found inside your refrigerator today may be foods that are genetically modified. Although biotech foods promise better and more plentiful products for consumers, the reaction from the public is mixed. To assist the public's understanding of bioengineered foods, the National Technical Information Service announces a variety of reports on the subject. Are there serious risks to human health and the environment? How can biotechnology help farmers and consumers? These reports can both encourage and facilitate research for the food industry, and give consumers the information they need to decide the biotech issue for themselves. NTIS reports include: Enhancing the Safety of America's Food Supply--Food Safety Round Table. Participants representing academia, government, industry, and public interest groups address key issues, such as microbial contamination, naturally occurring toxicants, pesticide residues, and genetically modified products and its relation to food safety and supply. Order number: PB93-101582KPO, $28.50. Mailing of Genetically Modified Microorganisms: A Field Survey. Research institutions regularly exchange genetically modified bacterial strains by mail. Consequently, many countries have introduced strict rules that regulate the mailing of GMOs. Order Number: PB93-178143KPO, $28.50. Assessing Risks from GMOs to Ecosystems and Human Health; Symposium Paper. Techniques in molecular biology have made it possible to incorporate genes from one organism into virtually any other organism's genetic composition to create new life forms. This paper reviews and assesses health and ecosystem safety of GMOs. Order Number PB97-122717KPO, $33.00. These titles are available from NTIS, call 1-800-553-NTIS (6847) or (703) 605-6000. There is a $5 handling fee for each total order, no additional charges for shipping. Most major credit cards accepted. Online ordering is available at www.ntis.gov. Order via e-mail: orders@ntis.fedworld.gov. Fax order to (703) 605-6900. The National Technical Information Service is the federal government's central source for the sale of scientific, technical, engineering, and related business information produced by or for the U.S. government and complementary material from international sources. Nearly 3 million products are available from NTIS in a variety of formats including microfiche, paper, diskette, audiovisual, CD-ROM, and online. SOURCE: National Technical Information Service

To: Mike McFarland who wrote (73)	12/30/1999 10:38:00 AM
From: Arthur Radley	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 103

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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related News Categories: biotech, environmental ..