Current controversies
USDA to allow GE sugar beets
January 2011 - USDA has decided that despite a court ban, it will allow commercial planting of genetically modified sugar beets even before a full environmental impact statement (FEIS) has been completed. Partial deregulation is an interim measure until the full FEIS is released.
USDA to allow unrestricted planting of GE alfalfa
January 2011 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved unlimited, nationwide commercial planting of Monsanto’s genetically-engineered (GE) Roundup Ready alfalfa, despite the many risks to organic and conventional farmers USDA acknowledged in its FEIS.
The Center for Food Safety (CFS), which is leading a legal battle fighting the USDA decision, says the FEIS failed adequately to address liability for financial losses incurred by farmers due to transgenic contamination, and that it didn't provide a plan for proper government oversight. CFS says the FEIS also didn't address USDA data showing that Roundup Ready alfalfa will substantially increase herbicide use and contribute to the growth of "super weeds."
FDA declares GE salmon safe
September 2010 - The FDA has declared genetically engineered (GE) salmon safe for human consumption and is set to approve it for commercial production. The transgenic fish from AquaBounty Technologies supposedly grows twice as fast as natural fish. It will not be labeled as a GE product. Take action!
GE corn health risks
A European study reveals health impacts on the liver, kidneys and other organs from three varieties of Monsanto’s GE corn. Researchers from Caen and Rouen Universities, and the EU Committee for Independent Research and Information on Genetic Engineering, based their analyses on data supplied by Monsanto.
Bayer liable for GE contamination
In the first case of its kind, a St. Louis federal court jury has found a biotech company liable for contaminating the U.S. rice supply, awarding almost $2 million in compensatory damages to two farmers. The farmers sued Bayer CropScience after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced in 2006 that Bayer’s unapproved GE rice escaped test plots and contaminated rice fields in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi and Louisiana.
GM crops increase pesticide use
A report from The Organic Center, the Union of Concerned Scientists, and the Center for Food Safety shows that GE corn, soybeans and cotton have caused increased use of pesticides, herbicide-resistant weeds and raised questions about whether there are more pesticide residues in foods.
Monstanto under investigation
The Justice Department is investigating whether Monsanto has violated antitrust rules. At issue is how the company sells and licenses its GE seeds.
GM papaya
The USDA has lifted the regulated status of GE papaya, allowing farmers to grow it unrestricted on the U.S. mainland. Approval of GE papaya in Hawaii caused the fruit’s market value to fall and scientists have raised questions about its safety for consumers.
GM trees
USDA has granted the ArborGen biotech company permission to plant a quarter million genetically modified eucalyptus trees. Eucalyptus already has become a costly, invasive species in California.