USDA coexistence policy raises doubts about focus

摘要

THE U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent move to establish coexistence policy as a result of a court case regarding genetically modified (GM) alfalfa is sending concerning signals regarding biotech approvals (Feedstuffs, Dec. 27, 2010). In a letterAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack sent to industry stakeholders to urge GM and non-GM crop coexistence, Vilsack noted that his decision to convene a meeting of diverse stakeholders to look at possible approaches to alfalfa production coexistence has generated tremendous interest in USDA's and his own intentions regarding the ability to "objectively regulate GM agricultural products" and whether USDA is "focused enough on science."