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| Lindsay Reames Assistant Director Governmental Relations |
Despite
rapid adoption by farmers and a strong scientific consensus that it does not
pose health and environmental risks, biotechnology faces regulatory burdens
that can slow investment and innovation of new biotech traits. These regulatory
challenges are starting to impact U.S. farmers’ international competitive
advantage. In addition, opponents of biotechnology routinely threaten the
availability of new traits by blocking science-based regulatory decisions and advocating
for labeling mandates.
Due
to the pressure being applied by activist groups, we are continuing to see
challenges in developing new technologies for agriculture. These groups are
driving the narrative instead of those involved in agriculture.
Farm
Bureau has developed the Biotech Grassroots Toolkit to help empower farmers to
speak up about the importance of biotechnology and the need for having a choice
in what production practices growers employ. The toolkit will serve as a
resource and one-stop shop for issues dealing with biotechnology.
The
toolkit includes resources such as downloads that tout the benefits of
biotechnology, an action page which includes a draft civic club speech, and
links to partner websites such as GMO Answers, USFRA and the Coalition for Safe
and Affordable Food.
This
resource will allow farmers to set the record straight. Whether meeting with
community leaders or government officials and their staff, farmers will be able
to correct misinformation about the impact of biotech crops, or “GMOs,” on
agriculture. If preconceived notions about the harms that GMOs have caused
growers are not corrected, then any information about their benefits will be
weighed against these misconceptions.
The
toolkit is found at www.fb.org/biotech.
Feel free to use the information to educate folks on this important issue.
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