The truth about GM (genetically modified) corn

February 23, 2010
Vega Enterprise
PO Box 130
Vega, TX 79092


Dear Editor,

As a grower of GM (genetically modified) corn, I was disturbed to read an article, "The Hazards of GM Corn" in your recent edition. The study quoted in the article has been refuted by multiple sources, including the French High Council on Biotechnology, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, and the European Food Safety Authority. More information regarding the soundness of the study can be found in the article "Monsanto Corn Causes Organ Damage? Not So," at the following address: http://blog.monsantoblog.com/2010/01/12/monsanto-addresses-study .

As a farmer and past president of the National Association of Wheat Growers, I sit on the Leading Growers Group for Monsanto. Monsanto and other multinational companies are currently in the process of bringing GM wheat to commercialization and consumer safety is always an important factor in all discussions. As farmers are faced with the important task of producing enough food to feed the estimated 9 billion people that will inhabit the earth by 2050, advancements in technology, such as GM crops, will become essential tools in achieving this goal.

I believe it is important to confront the myths circulating about advanced technologies in agriculture. Agriculture practices are being attacked from fringe groups around the world and many do not understand it is going to take ALL forms of production agriculture to meet the challenges of the future, including organic, traditional, and GM technologies. Many radical groups have tried to paint the picture that organic crops are sustainable, when in fact, there is no way that farmers can feed the growing population of the future with organic practices only. There is a growing segment of our population that has chosen to purchase only organic products and I appreciate that decision, but this choice is not practical for all consumers.

Monsanto and other agriculture companies work to protect their name and research to the highest degree. In order for farmers to protect the availability of new technologies in farming practices we must ensure that FACTUAL information is printed and distributed to our consumers. This is not an attack on the author of the article, but a caution that we must check out the sources we quote to make sure they are credible. While some may think that this is "just little ole Vega Texas," and our paper does not reach a national audience, I assure you that many sideline groups look for this kind of reporting to substantiate claims of abuse by major companies.

Over the past years I have had the opportunity to work with upper management of many of these companies and these individuals are just like you and me- they want what is best for their family and community. To allude to the claim that they are some "beast" that seeks corporate profits with no regard to the environment, consumer health, and sound science is simply not true. We, as their customers and producers of consumer products, must work to protect the sound science that will help feed a growing population. As always, producing safe, abundant, and stable supply of food for worldwide consumers is the primary concern of all agricultural producers. The use of advanced technology, such as GM crops, is another safe, productive tool we utilize to feed the world.

David Cleavinger
Past President
National Association of Wheat Growers
Wildorado, Texas