Taking It to the Streets - defending Biotechnology - Brief Article

The NCC Food Group found out the morning of July 19, 2000 that a new anti-biotechnology coalition was to kickoff their campaign to harass companies using genetically modified ingredients by trespassing on supermarket property to propagandize throughout the nation.

About ten members of the Food Group in Washington, DC quickly gathered together some materials to hand out (including a pro-biotechnology statement from seven National Academies of Science, a biotechnology declaration signed by thousands of scientists, and the letter below) and headed over to the Safeway in Georgetown, where a small number of anti-biotech protesters had congregated.

The anti-biotech faction, about the size of the Food Group's delegation, had bought some groceries they didn't approve of and proceeded to denounce them in lengthy speeches under the roar of passing traffic. After the protesters returned to Safeway the foodstuffs they hadn't ruined under the midday, cloud-obscured sun, a Food Group member bought them back. Meanwhile, other Food Group members snacked on Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies, which apparently contain some genetically-modified ingredients, as they engaged in civil debate.

Below is the letter delivered to Safeway by the NCC Food Group and sent to eight other food companies:

"July 19, 2000

To the Owners, Managers, Employees, and Customers of Safeway Grocery Stores:

As consumer and public policy groups that support the importance of agricultural biotechnology, we would ask Safeway not to heed the unscientific claims of anti-biotechnology activists who would restrict the development of this important technology that can benefit consumers around the world. Agricultural biotechnology promises many benefits to consumers in industrial, as well as developing countries. Despite activists' charges about the potential dangers of food produced with the help of modern biotechnology, there has been no evidence to support these claims. On the contrary, highly acclaimed scientific institutions on July 12 stated their strong support for biotechnology. Seven independent academies from the developed and developing world, including the National Academy of Sciences, agreed that genetic modification of crops is crucial to addressing the world's growing population and shrinking land for growing food. Other leading scientists, now over 2,700, have signed a strong declaration in support of biotechnology. Three Nobel Prize winners are among them.

Agricultural biotechnology, while not a "magic bullet," could help to provide consumers with an affordable and stable food supply through higher crop yields and improved nutrition. Providing consumers with access to low-priced fruits and vegetables plays an important role in improving public health and living standards, not just in poorer countries, but also for families in developed countries who have to live on fixed or low-incomes.

Organic food producers already provide products for some people who prefer to eat food produced in a way that reflects their value system, among them food produced without the use of modern biotechnology. However, consumers who do not share their beliefs should not be forced to adopt those standards, which would mean higher costs for food and fewer choices.

We congratulate Safeway shareholders who did not succumb to anti-biotechnology fear-mongering at its recent shareholder meeting. Again, we would ask Safeway not to heed those who would hamper the development of this important technology.

Sincerely,

American Council on Science and Health
Citizens Against Government Waste
Center for International Food and
  Agriculture Policy
Consumer Alert
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Hudson Institute's Center for Global
  Food Policy"

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