Slater, Iowa
January 30,  2001

Garst Seed Company announces the completion of their hybrid testing for possible StarLink* Bt technology contamination in their 2001 seed inventory. The testing includes all corn hybrids sold under the Garst, AgriPro, Gutwein/Garst and PSA/Garst brand names.

Garst initiated their hybrid testing in November of 2000 with the intent to test their seed inventory for the 2001 crop year. With more than 140 different hybrids to test, the testing process has been extensive. Steve Klein, Director of Marketing for Garst states that “a very limited number” of seed lots were confirmed positive for StarLink contamination but those lots will not be available for sale. “Our commitment to our customers remains – we will not sell any hybrid seed that confirms a positive test for StarLink based on our testing procedures,” says Klein. “The net effect on our seed inventory is insignificant,” adds Klein. “The seed supply of our leading products remains very good.” 

In addition to testing hybrid seed that will be sold to growers, Garst also has been testing their parent seed stock. The parent seed stock produces the hybrid seed corn, which is then purchased and planted by growers. “None of the parent seed stock was confirmed to show the presence of the Cry9C protein (StarLink) using our testing procedures,” notes John Edlin, Director of Production for Garst. “Testing the parent seed stock is an additional step we took so as to provide quality assurance to our customers.”

In late December 2000, the USDA sent a letter to all seed companies recommending them to sample and test their seed inventories and parent seed stock for possible StarLink contamination. On January 22, 2001, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) issued a statement encouraging corn growers to ask their seed suppliers if they have tested their seed inventories. 
“We’ve been very aware of our customers’ concerns regarding the StarLink issue,” notes Klein. “Our testing procedure was initiated so we can provide a quality seed supply to our customers. We also fully support the NCGA’s recommendation that corn growers ask their seed suppliers
about their testing procedures.” 

The company is continuing the use of a toll-free telephone number for growers who may have questions and concerns. That telephone number is: 1-800-831-6630, extension 5277.

*StarLink is a registered trademark of Aventis Crop Science

Company news release
N3315