The Union of Concerned Scientists has recently developed a detailed position paper and petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding federal policy on genetically engineered pharmaceutical and industrial crops. Shortly before the holidays we finalized the paper and petition, after having them reviewed by a number of individuals and organizations who work most intensively on pharma/industrial crops issues.

We have now posted the petition online at www.ProtectOurFood.org, and we are seeking sign-on from a broad range of constituencies. We hope that you will agree to add your name to this effort. As you will see, the petition calls on the USDA to (1) prohibit the use of food crops grown outdoors for this purpose, (2) tighten regulations on the use of non-food crops, and (3) encourage the development of safer alternatives to produce needed drugs and chemicals.

While current federal regulations are slanted toward projected benefits and the industry's preference for engineering food crops, there is an upcoming opportunity to revisit the rules. The USDA's Biotechnology Regulatory Service (BRS) is now reassessing the environmental and health impacts of pharma and industrial crops. The agency is expected to release an Environmental Impact Statement and request public comments in early 2007, with new rules to follow. With biotechnology companies pressuring BRS to maintain the lax regulatory status quo, UCS will use this petition to convey the position of many groups that public health and food safety can only be assured with a ban on outdoor production in food crops.

The petition, policy paper, and a third document dealing with frequently asked questions are posted on a new UCS website at www.ProtectOurFood.org. Please take a look at your earliest convenience. Thanks in advance for your support of this effort, and happy new year!

Best regards,
Karen

Karen Perry Stillerman Senior Analyst Food &
Environment Program Union of Concerned Scientists
1707 H St NW, Suite 600
Washington DC 20006-3962
202-331-5426 (direct)
202-223-6133 (Main number)
202-223-6162 (fax)

"Seed holds the future of civilization on planet Earth. Seed is the living
source of life on Earth, and without it we would perish. He or she who
controls the seed, controls the food, controls the people."

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