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March 9, 2000
The Associated Press
Legislators seek halt of Genetically Altered
Crops
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Saying there is little knowledge about the long-term
health effects of genetically engineered food, organic farmers and environmentalists,
according to this story, asked Wednesday for a moratorium on planting
biotech crops in New York State.
Audrey Thier, project director at Environmental Advocates, an albany-based
lobbying group, was quoted as saying, "We need to call a time out
-- time to
put the public interest first, where it belongs, and check our headlong
rush
into a brave new world that we do not yet understand."
The story notes there are at least 35 varieties of genetically engineered
foods registered federally with the Food and Drug Administration, the
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Agriculture.
The legislation would put a five-year moratorium on planting or growing
genetically modified crops in New York State. It was introduced Tuesday
in
the Assembly by Democrat John McEneny of Albany and is scheduled to be
introduced in the Senate by Republican Kenneth LaValle of Long Island,
advocates were cited as saying.
Mark Dunlea of the New York State Greens was quoted as saying, "Companies
promoting genetic information are playing Russian roulette with our
environment and public health in their never ending pursuit of profits."
David Eramian of the Biotechnology Industry Organization in Washington,
D.C
was quoted as saying, "There's been almost a scare campaign. Biotechnology
foods and crops are as safe as any other type of foods. Foods served from
crops derived through biotechnology can offer a lot of nutritional
advantages."
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