Dr. Huber wrote to USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging him to postpone approval of genetically engineered alfalfa until more research is done, but GE alfalfa was approved early in 2011.
As severe droughts become more common on the warming planet, pressure to believe the industry on another point, that GM crops can be engineered to use less water, will increase. The first drought-resistant GM crop that Monsanto wants approved is another variety of patented corn. Monsanto is pressuring for approval with the cooperation of the Obama administration, but the USDA has denied that this new variety of corn works as well to resist drought as many natural corn varieties already available. Despite its own objection the USDA does deem the crop safe for the environment and for humans, although it has never been tested on humans.
An oft-cited example of GM benefit is the case of the European corn borer, a persistent pest that is thwarted by GM corn. When females lay their eggs there, emerging larvae feed and in short order die. This is an attractive result. However, in just three months animals fed on GM maize show signs of liver and kidney damage. This information came from Monsanto itself when opposition groups forced it to release raw data on its tests of three strains of GM corn, two of which contain the genes that kill corn-borer larvae.
I will end with an interesting fact. Monsanto employees will not have GM foods served in their cafeterias. The company confirms that it is following their wishes, as it "believes in choice". It is interesting that Monsanto is open to choice with its employees while striving to abolish choice, and maybe much more, in its customers.
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