Genetically Modified Crops: A Call for Regulations Page 4

Written by Michael Black

All these factors of genetically modified crops have and will continue to have a huge effect on the economy of America. Between 1993 and 1997, the number of mid-sized family farms dropped by 74,440 (Farm Aid 1999). This drop can be mainly attributed to the increase of large commercial farms that mass produce genetically modified crops. The US Bureau of the Census Agriculture Brief reported that large farms receive nearly twice as much in government payments as do small farms (Farm Aid 1999). The structure of American agriculture is being severely and rapidly changed. Whereas farming used to be the base of American society, the USDA has reported that today farmers are twice as likely to live in poverty as members of the general population (Farm Aid 1999).

Trade with foreign nations will also be effected. The fact that the United States standards are far below those of Europe creates a big problem. Walt Fehr, head of Iowa State University's biotech department, thinks "Europe is so important to the industry that it could mean we'll really have to pull back on growing genetically modified crops in this country" (Klee 1999). U.S. standards of testing and labeling are so low that if the recently proposed "USDA Organic" label had been passed (entails that "organic" could be allowed in the context of genetic engineering, nuclear irradiation, and toxic sewage sludge use), America would have gained the dubious distinction of having the lowest organic standards in the world (Lilliston 1998).

Luckily, in a land of free speech, things can be done to help protect the environment and us. Activism is the most efficient way of seeking out change. Organizations such as Farm Aid help support family farmers and the cultivation of organic foods. Founder Willie Nelson states their aim well, "The fight to save family farms isn't just about farmers. It's about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us. It's about jobs, from Main Street to Wall Street. It's about a better America" (Farm Aid 1999). Activism has also gotten to companies such as Monsanto, who announced that it will not commercialize it's experimental terminator gene due to a fear of public backlash (Kilman 1999).

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