The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Institute National de la Recherche Agronomique of France and Cornell University are planning to introduce genetically-modified plums for commercial use…One organization, the Organic Consumers Association, indicated in a nationwide action alert that since the new plum tree will be the first GE temperate tree proposed for commercial planting, it could open the door to the commercialization for other GE varieties of temperate trees-such as poplars, pines, or walnuts. The USDA does admit that the GE plum will contaminate both organic and conventional non-genetically engineered plum orchards, if approved. The agency is accepting public comments between now and July 17th, 2006 on the petition to formally deregulate and allow commercial growing and marketing of GE plums.

To submit comments to the USDA: www.stopgetrees.org

News notes are courtesy of Southern Forests Network News Notes
www.southernsustainableforests.org