· Participants generally commented that Europeans and some in other areas worldwide are
increasingly focused on non-GMO foods and do not trust GMOs as a safe food source.
They also suggested that USDA encourage the development of high-quality non-GMO
products that have been demanded by other Nations to lessen our dependence on GMOs.
· Many requested mandatory labeling of all GMO products. Eating and growing GMOs
should be a choice, and many Americans do not want to eat GMOs.
· Many requested strict liability for GMO contamination from GMO patent holders and
manufacturers (i.e., genetic drift) to protect against economic losses because of overseas
markets rejecting these GMO crops.
· Many participants warned of the dangers of GMO crops, including perceived decreased
nutritional value, greater amounts of diseases in consumers only since the introduction of
GMOs, and chemical harm to the environment.
· Some requested either strict monitoring (in order to have access to international markets),
the scaling back of GMO use, or the banning of all GMOs.
· Several stated that GMO crops make our exports less competitive internationally.
· Several said we needed to continue our support for GMO products/exports/international
acceptance.
· One said we should get GMOs either approved or disapproved worldwide.
· Many participants wanted more research and development related to organic, specialty
crops, and non-GMO foods, by reducing funding for GMOs and chemically invasive
research. Others mentioned increased research of biotechnology (both benefits and
setbacks). Still others wanted education and promotion efforts for both foreign and
domestic markets on the benefits and safety of genetically modified products.
· Some commented that large agribusinesses should not be able to monopolize, in effect
forcing farmers to use their modified seed. Comments also mentioned reduction of
Government funding to biotech corporations.
· One group wanted no research at all into genetically modified organisms, another group
wanted more research into GMOs, and a third group stated that the risks of transgenic crops
need to be adequately studied to ensure their long-term safety for plant, animal, and human
health. A subset of the third group said that risk assessment work is very important to
overcoming regulatory and trade restrictions.
