Dear cj, Frightening stuff here, not the least of which is "without seeking prior public comment" (first article) and "_Unmarked_ Genetically-engineered potatoes" (second article). Again we see the stealth approach to radical and probably irreversible change. Yesterday (cj#666) we saw regulation of drugs and vitamins, and today we see engineered insects and potatoes - both agendas being set by corporate interests, via their commissions, their domination of regulatory agencies, and their purse-strings control over academic research. -rkm ________________________________________________________________ Sender: •••@••.••• (ACTIV-L archives) Date: Mon, 21 Apr 97 From: MichaelP <•••@••.•••> Subject: Field testing of genetically-modified insects. Article: 9426 @@ USDA reviews release of genetically-modified insects without seeking prior public comment. Release of GE Mites Considered The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is reviewing a request from a University of Florida scientist to conduct a field test with a transgenic mite that feeds on spider mites, a pest of strawberries and ornamental crops. The USDA is not planning to have an official public comment period or hearing on this application, and only intends to publish notice in the Federal Register when the decision is made. The mite has been engineered to contain a bacterial gene that functions as a marker, making it easy for researchers to track the organism in the environment. Future experiments will introduce new genes intended to modify the mite to enhance its ability to kill pests. The Union of Concerned Scientists http://www.ucsusa.org/ucs.agpub.html said it is likely that this application will be followed by a number of other requests to release transgenic arthropods. Genetically engineered medflies, mosquitoes, honey bees, cotton bollworms and many other insects have been created in laboratories for a variety of purposes. Commercialization of these organisms would result in their widespread release and use in the environment. Genetically engineering arthropods potentially present significant environmental risks because many reproduce rapidly, they play a variety of important ecological roles, they can move considerable distances, and most would be difficult to control once released. ________________________________________________________________ Sender: •••@••.••• (ACTIV-L archives) Date: Fri, 9 May 97 From: Patricia Dines <•••@••.•••> Subject: Unmarked Genetically-engineered potatoes at market NOW! Article: 10662 For your info - oh my!! - Time to demand from our government that we at least get labelling of genetically-engineered products, so the might "market" (which is supposed to be US) can make a choice at least at that level about tinkering with the genetic basis of life... P. Dines P. S. Of course, I'd prefer "just say no" to the path entirely, and I still keep working for that as well.... --- FORWARD --- From: BILL DUESING, INTERNET:•••@••.••• To: SANET-mg <•••@••.•••> Date: Thu, May 8, 1997, 4:04 AM Subject: "New Leaf" potatoes at Agway Russet Burbank seed potatoes that make their own Bt pesticide are now on sale in the local Agway feed store under the brand name "New Leaf." Other than that name and their 50 percent higher price, there is no indication on the package anywhere that they are genetically engineered. Is this some bizarre part of the plan to manage the build-up of resistant populations of CPB? ... or part of a plan to make Bt obsolete as soon as possible? Organic farmers have expressed great concern that the widespread planting of these potatoes may hasten the evolution of resistance to this now-valuable, organic insecticide Bt, Bacillus thruingiensis. . Even Monsanto, the potato's creator, acknowledges that future resistance will be a problem and that their new genetically-engineered potato will have a short life in the marketplace. The russet-Burbank potato variety accounts for nearly half of all the potatoes grown in North America and virtually all of the potatoes used in frozen foods and served in fast food restaurants. Bill Duesing Solar Farm Education Stevenson, CT ________________________________________________________________ ~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~--~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~ Posted by Richard K. Moore - •••@••.••• - PO Box 26 Wexford, Ireland Cyberlib: ftp://ftp.iol.ie/users/rkmoore/cyberlib | (USA Citizen) * Non-commercial republication encouraged - Please include this sig * * Please Cc: •••@••.••• directly on forwards & replies * ~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~--~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=~
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