US Secretary of Agriculture Vilsack Calls For Co-Existence Policy Regarding GM Crops

Vilsack noted that the rising demand for food is causing a clash between those supporting conventional, GM, and organic agricultural methodologies.  "This clash has led to insecurity and to legal dispute. Instead of solving such conflict in court, it may be more constructive to search for solutions that satisfy the variety of agricultural production methods."

On 30 December 2010, U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack issued an open letter to all stakeholders interested in gene-modified (GM) crop matters.  In the letter he called for adoption of a new attitude towards GM crops based on a policy of co-existence.

According to Vilsack, “… we at USDA are striving to lead and effort to forge a new paradigm based on coexistence and cooperation […] so that food can remain abundant, affordable and safe.”

The letter was issued in advance of the publication of a court-ordered USDA final environmental impact statement (EIS) on GM alfalfa due in January 2011.  It also relates to a court order prohibiting the planting of GM sugar beets.

Earlier in December 2010, Secretary Vilsack invited stakeholders involved in the GM alfalfa and GM sugar beet controversies to "round table" discussions at the USDA.   

For related blogs see:

US Federal Judge Places National Ban on HT Sugar Beets, 16 August 2010.
U.S. Supreme Court Lifts Ban on HT Alfalfa, 22 June 2010. 

For original sources see:

Open Letter to Stakeholders from Secretary Vilsack to Urge GE and non-GE Coexistence, USDA Press Release No. 0674.10, 30 December 2010.

Vilsack, Thomas.  "Open Letter to Stakeholders," USDA Department of Agriculture, 30 December 2010.