Some tough questions for biotech opponents

By C.S. Prakash
Copyright 2000 Telegram and Gazette (Worcester, MA)
March 24, 2000


The Biotechnology Industry Organization convention beginning in Boston today is bringing together companies, institutions and researchers who seek ways to use genetics to solve medical problems and improve food production on a global basis.

These events are of special interest to Central Massachusetts because of the growing number of people and companies involved in biotechnology in the region.

The event also is attracting the anti-technology activists who have made careers out of opposing the work of these scientists. Active organizations from around the world are sending their paid executives to Boston.

'STREET THEATER'

Some of the same people who sprayed urine and bleach on Seattle police officers will likely be among them. The antis are planning a public rally, parade and "street theater" to counter the exchange of scientific ideas that will go on inside the convention.

If you happen to see any of these people -- they will be the ones dressed as butterflies, Frankenstein monsters of ears of corn -- here are some questions you might please consider asking them:

ELIMINATE PESTICIDES

Improved corn plants that resist two major pests -- corn borer and corn rootworm -- can potentially eliminate 90 percent of the insecticides used in corn production. During the first three years that insect-protected cotton was on the market, as estimated 5.3 million applications of chemical insecticides were eliminated.

The development of herbicide tolerant soybeans brought about an overall reduction in herbicide usage, but activists continue to claim that pesticide use has not decreased.

STRUGGLE FOR FOOD

In developing nations, especially in Africa, millions of people struggle to provide food for themselves and could greatly benefit from biotechnology. By simply planting a genetically improved seed, people could protect their crop against loss to disease and insects.

FEDERAL APPROVAL

The Environmental Protection Agency will not approve a crop if it poses unacceptable risk to human health, wildlife or the environment. And the Department of Agriculture will not approve new crops if they pose a risk of becoming a plant pest or creating a plant pest in the environment. The crops are tested for allergenicity and other possible effects. Since 1996, biotech crops have been used in foods and feeds consumed by millions with absolutely no adverse effect.

These people are not used to answering hard questions, but it is time someone started asking them.

C.S. Prakash is a professor and director of the Center for Plant Biotechnology Research at Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, Ala. He is a participant in the biotechnology conference that begins today in Boston.


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