May 19, 2000

Environmental groups urge withdrawal of biotech squash

Environmental groups sent a petition to the Agriculture Department recently urging the department to withdraw its approval of genetically modified squash because of fears it could cross with a wild relative and produce a tougher weed.

“Given potential risks of these crops nationally and abroad and the unique role that U.S. regulators play internationally, it is essential that USDA adopt a scientifically sound and systematic approach to regulating the potential ecological risks associated with genetically engineered crops,” the petition said.

The squash is modified to make it resistant to plant viruses. A recent study by the National Academy of Sciences questioned whether USDA has considered sufficiently whether the virus resistance could spread from the squash from its wild cousin.

“Restricting the areas where the squash can be initially grown would be preferable to unconditional deregulation, at least until more data are available, said the NAS study.

“We currently have a process for carefully reviewing these products, but we are always willing to look at new data and new ways to improve the process and will carefully study the petition,” USDA spokeswoman Susan McAvoy said.

The petition signers include the Natural Resources Defense Council, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense and the Union of Concerned Scientists.