Here's another bit of interesting info. -
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), an organization discussed on this
list several months ago, has initiated a program on biotech and
sustainable ag, headed by Margaret Mellon and Jane Rissler, both formerly
with the Natl. Wildlife Fed. They had been publishing a newsletter there
called The Gene Exchange, and I am anticipating this, or something
similar, will continue through UCS. To quote from the latest mailing:
"The initiation of our work on biotechnology and sustainable agriculture
was the most important change for UCS in the past year. This program...is
an outgrowth of our research into global resources issues, which showed
that progress toward sustainable agriculture is essential to preventing
massive global environmental degradation in the coming century."
"One focus of the agricultural program will be on biotechnology
policy-making at the federal level. The aim is to create a regulatory
framework governing the development of "transgenic" plants and animals,
new forms of life that result from genetic engineering. We want to ensure
that risks and benefits are properly evaluated so that potentially harmful
life forms are not released into the environment."
"UCS will soon bring out 'Perils Amidst the Promise', a report by Drs.
Mellon and Rissler that demonstrates the risks to the environment from
transgenic plants. Next year, MIT press will publish a book-length
version of that report."
"The second focus will be on sustainability in agriculture, working toward
a reform of policies that promote use of herbicides, pesticides, and
synthetic fertilizers. We want to reform agricultural practices on a
large scale, creating a new system that will function in harmony with the
environment."
For more info, contact:
Union of Concerned Scientists
1616 P St., NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
202-332-0900
-Lara Wiggert