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February 16, 2001

Farmers remain confident in biotech

With first-hand knowledge of the value and benefits biotechnology delivers to their farms and to consumers around the globe, U.S. farmers are again poised to plant a large share of their corn, cotton and soybean acres with biotech seed in 2001.

According to industry reports, the recent controversy that has swirled around one particular product—StarLink corn—has done little to dampen farmers' enthusiasm for biotechnology.

In an online survey by AgWeb.com (http://agweb.com/), conducted the week of Nov. 17, 2000, farmers were asked how the recent controversy surrounding biotechnology would affect their seed corn selections for 2001. Results showed that a total of 45 percent would plant either the same or a greater percentage of biotech corn for the coming year. In comparison, 29 percent said they would plant a reduced percentage or no biotech corn in 2001.

Regarding soybeans, seed companies anticipate overall biotech seed sales to grow this year. An Indiana seed company reports that sales of Roundup Ready soybean seed are up 8 percent over last year. And, the Agriculture Department's Annual Cotton Varieties Planted Report shows plantings of biotech varieties have increased from 13 percent of total cotton acreage in 1996 to 70 percent in 2000. Also, in a major study conducted this past fall by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Dr. Thomas Hoban of North Carolina State University, consumers were asked the following question: "During the past few months, have you done anything or taken any action because of any concerns you may have about genetically modified foods?" The overwhelming majority—95 percent—responded "No."

Bill would loosen Cuba sanctions

Sens. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) recently introduced a bill (S.171) that would relax some U.S. trade and travel restrictions on Cuba.

The measure would repeal two sections of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000, lifting some provisions restricting travel to Cuba. In addition, it would also remove particular trade sanctions against Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Libya and Sudan.

The legislation faces significant roadblocks. It was referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which is under the leadership of Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), a firm critic of communism and the regimes included in the measure.

Helms and his allies could refuse to even bring the bill up for consideration.

Planet Agriculture, a Texas Farm Bureau interactive exhibit that shows consumers how agriculture touches their lives "each and every day," made its second appearance this year at the Fort Worth Livestock Show. Over 99,000 people—30,000 more than last year—visited the exhibit, that was sponsored in part by TXU Electric.

Following Food and Drug Administration approval, Ecolab Inc. recently unveiled an anti-microbial spray that can be used to treat red meat carcasses for bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella and Listeria.

Inspexx 200 can be applied in concentrations 100 times less than the treatments currently available during various stages in the processing of red meat carcasses, which is likely to prove more cost effective.

"Food safety is of the utmost importance to consumers, and recent news reports underscore processors' desire for improved practices combining sanitation and other intervention methods in meat and swine production," said Nick Alfano, vice president, food & critical environment business, Ecolab Food & Beverage Division. "The FDA's approval is a major milestone in our product development program. We have placed substantial research and development resources behind technologies that will enable food processors to operate more efficiently and produce safer, higher quality food products for the consumer."

Notable Quotables
"As we get to work on a tax relief plan in Congress, my guiding principles are tax fairness and simplification. That means eliminating the marriage penalty, reducing estate taxes, and reducing marginal rates."

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, talking about President George W. Bush's tax relief efforts.