Genetically Modified. Good or Bad?

Genetically Modified. Good or Bad? I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture.

How do you feel about genetically modified foods? There are two very distinct camps when it comes to the subject and now a group of biotech seed companies has launched a website, GMO Answers dot com, to combat opposition to genetically modified foods among consumer and activist groups.

LAVIGNE: This is a means to try and address those issues in a very positive way and getting the message out about the technology we know.

Andy Lavigne heads the American Seed Trade Association and says the website’s sponsors and partners aren’t trying to change the minds of diehard opponents.

LAVIGNE: What we are trying to address to those folks out there who may have some questions about GMO’s. How they’re produced. The crops that come from them and provide them an alternative voice. We see a lot of pseudo-science that is of concern that we want to have addressed because we’re confident in the science of the products.

Lavigne says USDA’s Ag Research Service and universities are consistently studying GMO products. He claims if there was a safety problem - FDA and USDA would require GMO firms to address it - and quickly.

LAVIGNE: Biotech is a way they’re just general breeding or basic breeding methods. A way new - implements new equipment. Just new technology is going to address that whether it’s how we process or food or how we grow it.

That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.