Posted on 05/30/2013 7:39:09 AM PDT by opentalk
–The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today that test results of plant samples from an Oregon farm indicate the presence of genetically engineered (GE) glyphosate-resistant wheat plants.
Further testing by USDA laboratories indicates the presence of the same GE glyphosate-resistant wheat variety that Monsanto was authorized to field test in 16 states from 1998 to 2005. APHIS launched a formal investigation after being notified by an Oregon State University scientist that initial tests of wheat samples from an Oregon farm indicated the possible presence of GE glyphosate-resistant wheat plants. There are no GE wheat varieties approved for sale or in commercial production in the United States or elsewhere at this time.
… “We are taking this situation very seriously and have launched a formal investigation,” said Michael Firko, Acting Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ Biotechnology Regulatory Services, “Our first priority is to as quickly as possible determine the circumstances and extent of the situation and how it happened. We are collaborating with state, industry, and trading partners on this situation and are committed to providing timely information about our findings. USDA will put all necessary resources towards this investigation.
(Excerpt) Read more at aphis.usda.gov ...
Related article
Modified Wheat Is Discovered in Oregon
... Unapproved genetically engineered wheat has been found growing on a farm in Oregon, federal officials said Wednesday, a development that could disrupt American exports of the grain.
The Agriculture Department said the wheat was of the type developed by Monsanto to be resistant to the herbicide Roundup, also known as glyphosate. Such wheat was field-tested in 16 states, including Oregon, from 1998 through 2005, but Monsanto dropped the project before these wheat was ever approved for commercial planting.
The department said it was not known yet whether any of the wheat got into the food supply or into grain shipments.
All the Monsanto & GMO defenders will arrive here in 3..2..1..
Haven't followed this so don't understand the seriousness of what they are fearful of...
“All the Monsanto & GMO defenders will arrive here in 3..2..1..”
Monsanto will smack the hapless farmer with a lawsuit shortly for stealing ‘their’ wheat.
The original "genetic engineering" was natural cross-breeding, from which we got sweet corn and better cows. It was a guided process, but using natural plants/animals.
It is a bit disturbing to think that first they developed chemicals guaranteed to kill plants, then they developed plants that can kill insects, then they developed plants that can resist the plant killers...I am a bit worried about the mad scientists and their good intentions.
As the scientist in the movie Jurassic Park said: “Life finds a way.”
“I have never taken much interest in all the GE and GMO food discussions, largely because many people who are on a campaign against them come at me like psychos”
I appreciate your point. however, dear FReeper, this is the time to start taking interest. They opened a Pandora’s box
The anti-folks have all kinds of theories why GE foods are “Frankenfood”, but even scarier is the fact they are going after “unapproved” crops as in Government Approved. Especially considering later in the article they claim no GE wheat has been detected in the “approved” food chain. Sounds like a potential “government APPROVED” shake down to me.
They’ve genetically altered wheat to include a synthesized protein molecule responsible for Obama voters. It’s called Kenyaflavin.
Exactly, Sender. Where will it end? Disease? Weakened immune systems? Mutations?
from article link #1 [NYT]
Still,the mere presence of the genetically modified plant could cause some countries to turn away exports of American wheat,especially if any traces of the unapproved grain were found in shipments.About $8.1 billion in American wheat was exported in 2012,representing nearly half the total $17.9 billion crop,according to U.S. Wheat Associates,which promotes American wheat abroad. About 90 percent of Oregon’s wheat crop is exported.
And also means GE wheat ,which Monsanto has patent ownership to, is contaminating farms that never planted GE wheat. It risks their ability to export (sell) their crops.
And they’ll be nasty.
Here’s a crazy thought.
The wheat seed was propagated by unwashed farm equipment.
Or by the wind.
Or on someones feet.
If it’s unlawful for this crop to be in the food chain then Monsanto should bear all costs for clearing the ‘infestation’. They didn’t practice due diligence.
Dr. Norman Borlaug would disagree.
“They opened a Pandora’s box”
I agree, stuff we should not be messing with.
You city folks sure panic easily.
You eat all the gmo stuff you want. I choose nature as God made it.
regardless, this may have a negative impact on the farms that were contaminated, plus it damages future confidence in export markets that have been assured of the type of wheat they were buying.
I see.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.