Labeling of genetically modified organisms GMOs

From: senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov
To: paraservices@hotmail.com
Subject: Responding to your message
Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2011 11:11:05 -0400

Dear Ms. Lewis:

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with me. I welcome this opportunity to respond.

American farmers have the ability to choose whether to plant seed derived from biotechnology or seed that has resulted from conventional plant breeding. American farmers and, in fact, farmers worldwide, have been choosing to plant more acres of varieties derived from biotechnology. One reason farmers choose these varieties is that they are able to apply fewer agricultural chemicals to the plants, thus reducing pesticide exposure in the environment and lowering their costs to produce the crop.

I support efforts to utilize more products derived from biotechnology. I believe the use of this technology can be beneficial and necessary to ensure that adequate and nutritious food continues to be available, particularly as the world population continues to increase. Varieties of seed derived from biotechnology show promise for making food more abundant, safer, and more nutritious.

I also have supported, and will continue to support, devoting more federal resources to agricultural research, including research related to agricultural biotechnology. I will follow the issue of label requirements for GMOs closely, and will have your thoughts in mind should the Senate consider this issue.

Again, thank you for taking the time to correspond with me.

Sincerely,

Richard G. Lugar
United States Senator