Thank you in advance.
Marjorie Bender
Carolina Farm Stewardship Association
115 W. Main, Carrboro, NC 27510
cfsa@sunsite.unc.edu
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UNION OF
CONCERNED
SCIENTISTS
ACTION ALERT! SAVE BT FOR ORGANIC FARMERS
URGE EPA AND USDA TO DELAY APPROVAL OF BT CROPS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave the
final approval needed for the commercialization of the first
genetically engineered insecticidal crop--Bt potato developed by
Monsanto. The new potato was engineered to contain an insect
toxin gene from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt),
which is currently used in spray form by organic and sustainable
agriculture farmers to control the Colorado potato beetle, a
major insect pest of potatoes. Waiting in line at EPA and the US
Department of Agriculture (USDA) for commercial approval are two
additional Bt crops, corn and cotton, developed by Ciba-Geigy and
Monsanto, respectively.
Organic formers have an important stake in the
commercialization of Bt crops. The widespread adoption of Bt
crops is expected to accelerate the development of resistance to
Bt as a result of continuous exposure of insects to the toxins as
they feed on the engineered plants. Insects that develop
resistance to Bt in the engineered crops will also be resistant
to Bt sprays--thereby rendering the sprays useless to control
insect pests on potato, corn, cotton, and perhaps other crops.
Some scientists predict that resistance could develop within just
a few growing seasons.
Not only would organic farmers lose a valuable tool but
conventional farmers would likely return to chemical insecticides
to control insects--making the respite from intensive synthetic
insecticide use a short one.
Resistance can be delayed significantly by the deployment of
management strategies. Though research has been underway for
years to develop such plans, additional work is needed before
detailed, proven programs are in place. Thus far, neither EPA
nor the USDA has a comprehensive, enforceable strategy for
retarding resistance to Bt.
WRITE TO EPA AND USDA SOON
Urge them to delay approvals of any additional Bt crops pending
development of an effective, comprehensive plan for retarding
resistance to Bt.
* Ask them not to squander Bt as a natural resource by
premature approval of Bt crops
* Tell them the importance of Bt to organic growers
* Explain that Bt crops are not the way to go for long-term
reductions in the use of synthetic pesticides
Address your letters or faxes to:
Dr. Lynn Goldman, Assistant Administrator
Environmental Protection Agency/ OPPTS
401 M St. SW
Washington, DC 20460
fax: 202-260-1847
Dr. Lonnie King, Acting Administrator
USDA/ APHIS
AG-Box 3401, Room 312E
Washington, DC 20090-6464
fax: 202-720-3054
Send a copy of your letter to:
Richard Rominger, Deputy Secretary
USDA, Administration Building, Suite 202B
14th and Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 20250