In rice-growing states, traces of an unapproved genetically modified (GM) rice have been found mixed in with conventional rice meant for human consumption. In Oregon , genetically engineered creeping bentgrass, being tested for possible use on golf courses, has been found miles outside its test beds, making it the first GM plant known to have escaped into the wild. In Hawaii , a federal judge has admonished the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for displaying “utter disregard” for the state ‘ s endangered native plant species. Many who closely watch how biotechnology is changing agriculture, including those who see a valuable role for GM crops, are disturbed by what appears to be a series of recent incidents showing lax supervision of experimental plantings by the government and agribusinesses.

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