Dear Mr. M
Thank you for contacting me to share your concerns over newly developing genetically modified crops. I appreciate the benefit of your opinion and, like you, ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply is of critical importance to me.
As of 2008. 92% of soybeans, 86% of cotton, and 80% of corn planted in the U.S. have been genetically engineered constituting 50% of GE crops propagated worldwide. Whether traditionally bred or genetically engineered, these crops must meet the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Furthermore, The Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 put in place a rigid structure for traceability standards.
Roundup Ready crops however, are of particular concern. Their environmental impact continues to cause alarm and recently they've come under scrutiny within our federal court system. Questions remain over the potential cross-pollination of weed resistant crops with local and organic varieties leading a US District Court in California to stop all sales of Roundup Ready alfalfa seeds until the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has thoroughly evaluated their environmental impact.
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear the case, Monsanto 'Is. Geertson Seed Farms. on appeal this year. In this case. Geertson Seed Farms, a conventional alfalfa seed producer sued the USDA for approving sale of Monsanto's GE alfalfa seeds prior to any environmental review. Monsanto, the largest global supplier of GE seeds and producer of Roundup Ready seeds appealed the ban placed on sale of their alfalfa. Sale of Roundup Ready sugar beets are under legal scrutiny and may face a similar environmental evaluation process and sales "'m.
I appreciate you sharing your concerns. I will continue monitoring these developments and will keep your views in mind should this issue be raised In the House. Please continue to stay in touch.
Sincerely.
HOWARD L. BERMAN
Chamber of Congress
