Vermont has become the first state in the U.S. to pass a law requiring the labeling of genetically engineered seeds. The law, known as the "Farmer Right-to-Know Act," was signed into law Monday by Vermont Governor James Douglas.
The law mandates the labeling of genetically modified seeds at all retail outlets and requires seed manufacturers to keep track of genetically modified organism (GMO) or biotech seed sales in the state.
Environmentalists hailed the law as a historic victory of grassroots mobilization over big dollar corporate lobbying. Seventy-nine Vermont towns have passed resolutions opposing the use of genetically modified crops.
"Farmers and consumers have a right to be protected from unwanted genetic mutations," said Ben Davis, an environmental advocate with Vermont's Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG) and author of a fall 2003 report that showed genetic contamination of organically grown corn. "This law is the first step toward providing that protection."
The Vermont law provides farmers and consumers basic information allowing them to choose GMO or non-GMO seeds, he added "Giving consumers a choice is a fundamental right in our society," said Davis. "Given the invasive nature of GMOs, farmers and home gardeners need to be able to make informed choices."
Davis says the low level of contamination found in VPIRG's 2003 study suggests unintentional contamination from GMO crops is a reality in Vermont – and there is evidence the problem could be much more widespread.
A larger study released by the Union of Concerned Scientists in February found DNA from genetically engineered crops in traditional varieties of three major U.S. food crops that have no history of genetic engineering. The study suggests this contamination is pervasive and warns that federal regulators are failing to address an issue that could have stark economic, environmental and public health consequences.
The U.S. researchers warn that seed contamination, if left unchecked, could disrupt agricultural trade, unfairly burden the organic industry, and allow hazardous materials into the food supply.
Evidence of seed contamination could make it more difficult for U.S. exporters to assure Japan, South Korea, the European Union, and other export customers that grain and oilseed shipments do not contain unapproved genetically modified crop varieties and to supply commodity products free of engineered sequences.
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