Newly released studies supporting biotechnology clearly indicate that advocates are taking steps to prove that biotechnology is safe for the environment and accepted by consumers, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said this week.

"Biotechnology opponents have made unfounded claims that biotechnology is not safe for the environment and consumers,'' said NCGA Chairman Roger Pine of Lawrence, Kan. "However, those of us who support the technology - and who base that support on sound science - are taking steps to prove its safety and viability through ongoing studies like these.''

Pine referred to two recent events: 

• A study published by University of Illinois researchers indicating that earlier laboratory reports of a relationship between mortality of butterflies and contact with Bt corn are not a reliable guide to what happens in the field; and
• A survey by the International Food Information Council (IFIC) showing that consumer attitudes regarding food biotechnology are increasingly positive after a slight dip last fall.

"The study by University of Illinois researchers supports the theory we have been supporting all along - that results from lab studies don't have the same implications as the more realistic field studies,'' Pine said. "It supports our judgment that most non-target species are not significantly affected by Bt corn pollen in the field.''

A Cornell University study by a Cornell University researcher indicated that Bt pollen killed monarch butterfly larvae in laboratory conditions.

Pine noted that the University of Illinois results are the first to be released from several field studies underway to determine what effects - if any - corn pollen might have on butterflies.

"Corn growers can be confident in knowing that the Bt corn they are growing is safe, and that they are good stewards of the land,'' Pine added. "We are confident that additional studies will produce the same results.''

According to the IFIC study conducted May 5-9 by Wirthlin Worldwide 54 percent of U.S. consumers are somewhat more likely to buy foods that have been enhanced to "taste better or fresher''; and 69 percent say they would buy foods containing products that have been modified for insect protection and to require less pesticide spray.

The IFIC survey was conducted just after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reaffirmed it would not require mandatory labeling of biotech foods. The survey indicated that two out of three consumers support FDA's labeling policy. This confidence in the FDA position has remained relatively stable over the past three years, despite increasing controversy about food biotechnology. And although down slightly, three out of five consumers still feel they will benefit from biotechnology within the next five years.

"These survey results show the confidence they have not only in biotechnology, but in the U.S. agencies that regulate it,'' Pine said. "NCGA will continue to advocate ongoing consumer studies regarding their acceptance of this very valuable technology. Through these studies, advocates are illustrating the fact that consumers are not caving to the fear-mongering tactics that so many opponents are using.''

The National Corn Growers Association mission is to create and increase opportunities for corn growers in a changing world and to enhance corn's profitability and usage. NCGA represents more than 30,000 members, 24 affiliated state corn grower organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs. 

NCGA news release
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