The Change Mariner

Biotech Residue Contaminates Organic Crops

DesMoines Register

... Genetically engineered corn and soybeans are becoming so widespread that organic growers - who count on selling their crops for two to three times as much as conventional varieties - say they are having trouble keeping biotech contamination out of their crops.

Federal rules bar the use of biotechnology in organic agriculture, and even the slightest bit of biotech contamination can cut the value of the crop by a third or more.

"The first load of corn you send out with every new crop you hold your breath," said Roger Lansink, an organic farmer near Odebolt, Ia. He said a "huge percentage" of organic corn probably contains traces of biotech residue.

Organic crops can be contaminated in a variety of ways. Bags of seed often include traces of biotech varieties. Depending on weather conditions and farming practices, organic corn can easily cross-pollinate with biotech corn in nearby fields.