GMO controversy heating up as legislation stalls in Oregon

Legislation to regulate genetically modified crops and food has stalled in the Oregon Legislature.

But nationwide, the topic has heated up over the past week:

On Friday, the World Health Organization announced it had classified glyphosate, the active ingredient in Monsanto's Roundup, as a 'probable carcinogen.'

Roundup is used in connection with Roundup-Ready seeds, which have been genetically modified to withstand the herbicide. They include corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, sugar beets and alfalfa.

This week, Monsanto asked WHO to retract the report.

"We are outraged with this assessment," Robb Fraley, Monsanto's chief technology officer, said in a statement.

On Monday, another study linked glyphosate and two other widely used herbicides – 2,3-D and dicamba, to antibiotic resistance.

The study, published in the American Society of Microbiology's journal mBio, found the herbicides changed the way bacteria respond to a number of antibiotics, making the pathogens stronger.

On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture held a hearing on GMO Labeling.

All six witnesses testified against mandatory labeling laws.

"Mandating GMO labeling runs contrary to the essential purpose of government-mandated labeling – which is to provide consumers with accurate and relevant information regarding the safety of the food they eat," said Chris Policinski, president and CEO of the Land O'Lakes dairy cooperative.

The company also owns Winfield, a seed, fertilizer and pesticide distributor.

Also on Tuesday, a coalition of 10 health and environmental groups called on fast food companies to refuse to source a new genetically modified apple that the FDA approved recently.

The Arctic apple has been modified to prevent browning when sliced. Opponents fear it could lead to higher pesticide use, because the natural browning enzyme in apples may help it fight diseases and pests.

"Once again, the USDA and FDA have approved a food product created using a technology that has not undergone rigorous, independent pre-market safety testing," said Ronnie Cummins, international director of the Organic Consumers Association.

Finally, a bill introduced in Congress Wednesday would overturn GMO labeling laws enacted in Vermont, Connecticut and Maine, prohibit other states from enacting food-labeling laws, and make it harder for the FDA to mandate labeling nationwide.

Rep. Mike Pompeo, R-Kansas, is sponsoring the bill, called The Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act. It sets up a voluntary certification for non-GMO foods.

Among its supporters are the Grocery Manufacturers Association, PepsiCo, Monsanto and Koch Industries.

"Our goal for this legislation remains to provide clarity and transparency in food labeling, support innovation and keep food affordable," Pompeo said in a news release.

Opponents have dubbed it the Deny Americans the Right-to-Know, or DARK Act.

They're supporting legislation introduced last month by Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., and Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., that would mandate national GMO labeling.

"The evidence is mounting that Monsanto's glyphosate and other chemicals used on genetically engineered crops may be harming our health," said Lisa Archer, a program director with Friends of the Earth. "Americans have more reason than ever to want to know whether they are eating GMOs."

tloew@statesmanjournal.com, (503) 399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/SJWatchdog

Oregon legislation

Five bills dealing with genetically engineered food and crops have been introduced in the Oregon Legislature:

HB 3121 would require genetically engineered raw commodities and processed food offered for sale in Oregon to be labeled, subject to a public vote in November. It would take effect Jan. 1, 2018. The bill is in the House Committee on Rural Communities, Land Use and Water, and has not yet had a hearing.

SB 207, filed at the request of former Gov. John Kitzhaber, would authorize the Oregon Department of Agriculture to establish control areas for GMO plants and other plants, to avoid conflicts among growers. It is in the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and has not yet had a hearing.

HB 2674 is similar to Kitzhaber's bill, but requires ODA to establish control areas. The bill had a hearing March 5 in the House Committee on Rural Communities, Land Use and Water.

HB 3122 would prohibit farming or cultivation of genetically engineered fish that could come into contact with native anadromous fish. It is in the House Committee on Energy and Environment.

HB 2675 would require retailers, dealers and wholesalers to provide ODA with copies of royalty agreements signed by purchasers of GMO seeds or starts. The bill is in the House Committee on Rural Communities, Land Use and Water, and has not yet had a hearing.