US Merchants Encourage Farmers to Go non-GM in 2000
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From nlpwessex:
As GMO crops become increasingly unsaleable on international markets, US
merchants are rapidly introducing schemes to encourage American farmers
to switch back out of GMOS in 2000.
The Consolidated Grain and Barge Company is one of the latest US
companies to take such steps and has indicated to its producers that
consignments containing GMO contamination 'no matter how trival' will
not be eligible for premium prices (CGB letter to producers 26 August
1999):
"CGB will be contracting 'non gmo' beans and corn this coming crop
year. We are currently finalizing our premium schedule and delivery
periods.
Segregating 'non GMO' grains on farm will pay dividends this coming
year. Please make sure when switching from GMO varieties to 'non GMO'
varieties that you clean, combines, trucks and wagons, conveying
equipment, and especially bins. The testing standards and tolerance
levels will be very tight and any contamination, no matter how trivial
it may seem, will lead to positive test and will be rejected for 'non
GMO' premiums.....
As suppliers we have to be responsible in meeting the needs of our
customers."
For more information contact:
Charlie Laird
Regional Merchandising Manager
Consolidated Grain and Barge Co
Post Office Box 548/Mt Vernon
Indiana 47520
Tel: (812) 838 - 4017
Fax: (812) 838 -2572
Thanks to US farmer Jim Winiger for forwarding this information. Copies
of original the CGB letter are available in JPG format from us on
request.
So much for the economic competitive advantage that GMOs are supposed to
provide farmers, to say nothing of their often lower yields and high
cost of seed!!
In addition the CGB letter confirms just how many opportunities there
are for GM-free crops to become contaminated with non-gm free varieties.
How long is it going to be before the agricultural industry realises
that it is going to be far better off if it just simply abandons GMOs
altogether, and starts putting its energies into something more
constructive?
GMOs are the worst possible PR for the farming industry at a time when
it desperately requires the good-will of the general population on both
sides of the atlantic.
nlpwessex@bigfoot.com
http://www.btinternet.com/~nlpwessex