Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical Crops ????

[Bo Atkinson]

What on earth could this be? Something new in lettuce? ;-) MOFGA sent an email notice as follows----


"Please Contact Governor John Baldacci And Urge Him To Sign LD 708 - An Act To Create a Moratorium on the Open-Air Production of Genetically Engineered Pharmaceutical Crops in Maine. Maine's House of Representatives and Senate have voted to approve this important bill, which will place a 3-year moratorium on biopharmaceutical/industrial GE crops grown outdoors, and protect our agricultural economy. This is great news! However, we are aware that industry is lobbying Governor Baldacci to veto this landmark bill. We need your support to let the Governor know that there is widespread concern about the dangers of contamination from biopharm/industrial GE crops. Genetic contamination could devastate farmers, food processors and manufacturers, harming both domestic and overseas markets. These industries are proven economic drivers in our state. Maine products fetch a premium in the marketplace due to our reputation for high-quality, safe, healthy food. We should keep it that way. We all want safe, effective, lower-cost drugs. Over 100 new drugs have been developed using biotech techniques in contained, controlled facilities, but not one from 14 years of biopharm crop testing. We can have the benefits of biotechnology in drug and chemical production without undue risk. Please contact Governor Baldacci today! Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Send an email. http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/contact/citizen_services/sha..."

[Joanna Wilbur]

I really don't want to see Genetically Engineered crops anywhere, but especially not in the open air where their genes can contaminate wild-grown species and farmer's crops. Pharmaceutical companies can be scummy on so many levels.