Letter to the Editor

Your view: Research danger

Monday, February 21, 2005

After seeing recent reports of proposed research into genetically modified rice in Southeast Missouri, I am concerned that the economic best interests of rice producers and rural communities are not being taken into account. At a time when Asian and European consumers regularly protest and boycott genetically produced crops, it makes little sense to risk a boycott of Missouri (or even U.S.) rice, when the same research could be conducted in other areas.

Most Bootheel farmers support genetically modified crops. We've all seen the advantages of Roundup Resistant varieties and bt corn and cotton. But these crops weren't introduced into production with the realistic threat of protests and boycotts. First and foremost, a farmer has to sell his crop to stay in business, and while he may support scientific research, the science he is primarily concerned with is economics!

In particular, I am concerned that the current discussion over pharmaceutical rice seems to have excluded many of the people who stand to be impacted by this research. The appearance is that rice producers, rice organizations, and major customers like Riceland and Anheuser Busch either aren't being consulted, or are having their concerns dismissed.

Other rice producing states and both state and national rice organizations have objected to this research and have actively sought to protect producers from boycotts or contamination from trial crops. Environmental groups have placed Ventria on watch lists, and are monitoring the progress of this proposed research in Missouri.

California's 300 mile buffer zone seems a reasonable step to protect producers from both contamination and economic consequences. Given that over 99 percent of all Missouri rice production is in seven Bootheel counties, it would seem that at the very least Ventria could conduct their research in another portion of the state where cross contamination would not be a factor.

As the alar apple scare showed us all, consumer concerns and boycotts don't have to be based on real threats. I have no doubt that Ventria plans to take measures to avoid contamination, and that in the end, their research poses little or no threat to public safety. But that would be a small consolation if Riceland pulled out of Missouri, Budweiser faced a boycott, or European and Asian customers opted to boycott rice from the entire region.

These are not far-fetched scenarios, and the economic impact would extend well beyond a handful of rice farmers. Rice production pumps hundreds of millions of dollars into the Bootheel economy, and those are sorely needed dollars. Those dollars create jobs, pay for schools, and support hundreds of local businesses.

I support research into genetically modified crops, and Ventria's research looks promising. But this research needs to take place far away from active rice farms and be conducted in such a way as to minimize economic risks for farmers and Bootheel communities.

Barry B. Bean

Peach Orchard

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