10/12/05 G.M.O. Wine

It funny, there just doesn't seem to be as much controversy anymore over gene splicing of commodities like soy, wheat or rice but bring up the subject of GMO wine grapes, especially in the historic wine growing regions of Europe and emotions run wild. Wineries in France in particular are steeped in traditions and many growers consider GMO grapevines, Frankenstems. Scientists employed by more progressive growers, work under top security to develop genetically modified rootstocks that they believe could one day save the region from the devastating fan-leaf virus . the campaign makers Moet and Chandon have already developed a transgenic fan leaf resistant grape plant that can be grafted onto root stock but many of their neighbors worry their efforts could backfire and result in strains of rootstock that could be transported to their fields, in a form of bioterrorism and damage their reputation with consumers. Will progress destroy tradition or safeguard it ? Source: New York Times Monday, 9/26/05