Biotech companies agree to stricter rules on Biotech corn
Date: 20-Nov-02
Country: USA
Under the agreement, farmers growing Bt corn must plant within a half-mile at least 20 percent of traditional varieties. Some biotech producers in the South must plant at least 50 percent non-Bt corn.
A spokeswoman for the Biotechnology Industry Organization said the requirements were to prevent insect resistance, an issue some environmentalists have used to campaign against the technology.
Bt corn has spliced into its genes a natural soil bacterium, bacillus thuringiensis, that kills corn borers. About 22 percent of U.S. corn seeded this year was of the Bt variety, up from 18 percent last year.
National Corn Growers Association President Fred Yoder said the agreement was "the best way to protect against resistance and keep Bt products available."
Growers who were found in violation will be issued a warning and must make the necessary changes to comply during the next growing season, the biotech group said.
Bt corn growers were also required to sign a stewardship agreement before obtaining their seed for the year. Industry groups will pay for an annual survey, conducted by a third party, to monitor compliance.
