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Oct. 25, 2016 by Chip Bowling, National Corn Growers Association chairman U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance board member Grain Farmer from Newburg, Maryland I write to you today, speaking for an organization that first and foremost believes in open dialogue, to simply restate and expand on U.S. Farmers & Ranchers Alliance's (USFRA's) recent communication with Dannon regarding its plans to deselect GMOs. USFRA does support a consumer's choice to purchase the foods they prefer. Equally, we support a farmer's choice to plant and grow conventional crops, genetically modified crops, organic crops, or any combination. On behalf of my fellow farmers and ranchers, however, what we cannot support is disingenuous marketing claims that mislead consumers about the safety and sustainability of GMOs and other farming practices. This effort to deselect GMOs - done in the name of sustainability - misleads consumers about the sustainability of today's biotechnology-enhanced crops. In fact, GMOs promote sustainability because they allow farmers to be better stewards of the water, soil, air, and habitat on and around their land. Since the introduction of GMO crops, farmers have decreased the use of insecticides while dramatically expanding the use of no-till or minimum tillage practices that promote soil and environmental health, and reduce fossil fuel use. That is why we consider Dannon's marketing claim to be not only deceptive to consumers, but also potentially restrictive to our ability, as farmers, to choose the best management practices needed for raising food. As farmers and ranchers, we strive for, and strongly support, open, honest and transparent engagement with consumers and food companies. We are committed to providing healthy choices for all consumers-at the same time that we're being asked to improve environmental quality. We cannot do both, however, if companies such as Dannon restrict our ability to use the technologies that have helped us improve food production and environmental quality. Moving forward, USFRA will work to protect the shared interests of consumers and farmers by challenging misleading marketing claims from food companies. Real sustainability starts on the farm, and we intend to hold companies accountable for misleading statements that don't acknowledge this reality. Tweet |
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