St. Louis, Missouri
October 16, 2001
The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for an additional seven years is a dual win for
corn growers.
"First, it's a win for the science-based regulatory system that NCGA has supported that provides U.S. growers with access to
this technology," said Leon Corzine, NCGA Biotech Working Group member and Assumption, Ill., corn grower. "Second, the
EPA's Insect Resistance Management (IRM) requirements are based on the initial guidelines NCGA helped EPA develop more
than two years ago and the recommendations NCGA made during the recent EPA comment period.
"The EPA has conducted a two-year, in-depth study of Bt corn," Corzine continued, "and
determined that it poses no risks to people or the environment. The NCGA worked very hard to ensure that science would decide the continued availability of Bt and
we're very pleased that the EPA used a public process in making its decision."
EPA's re-registration of Bt corn hybrids includes specific requirements to strengthen insect resistance management (IRM), to
increase research data on potential environmental effects, and to improve grower education and stewardship.
"Today's producers are well equipped to comply with the EPA in the matters of stewardship. The producers NCGA represents
recognize the importance of stewardship proper and compliance in using Bt corn as well as any new technology with special
requirements. We believe that compliance policies should be enforceable and farmers have repeatedly demonstrated when
properly educated they will follow the appropriate guidelines," Corzine said. "NCGA has proven in the past they are dedicated
stewards of the land and we've made great steps recently to ensure IRM is strengthened. We're very comfortable with the rules
set forth by EPA."
NCGA's Know Before You Grow(sm) program on its website www.ncga.com
explains why IRM stewardship is important and how IRM can be implemented. "NCGA fully supports the concept behind the current IRM plan and recognizes the potential to
increase compliance levels," he said.
Of particular concern during a two-year study conducted by the EPA were the potential risks to Monarch butterflies. In
investigating these risks, the Agency requested extensive data to evaluate the potential concern. The scientific evidence
demonstrates that Bt corn does not harm Monarch butterfly populations.
"It has been proven time and time again that Bt corn does not affect Monarch butterflies or the environment," said Corzine.
"Hopefully, this will end the argument once and for all and allow us to focus our attentions on other pressing topics, such as
granting President Bush Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and getting the Farm Bill passed."
For more information about NCGA and biotechnology, visit www.ncga.com .
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 32,000 members, 24 affiliated state corn grower
organizations and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.
NCGA news release
N3885
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