United States

GMO-free news from the United States

This links to a page of GENET-news from the United States that are relevant for the development of the GMO-free zones.

Country Description

Currently Commercialized GM Crops in the U.S. include:
Soy (89%), Cotton (83%), Canola (75%), Corn (61%), Hawaiian papaya (more than 50%), Alfalfa, zucchini and yellow squash (small amount), and Tobacco (Quest® brand). (Number in parentheses represents the estimated percent that is genetically modified.)(Source: Institute for Responsible technology)

Official and institutional links

Information Systems on Biotechnology - a national resource on AG biotechnology

US Department of Agriculture, APHIS - Ag Biotechnology website

Audit report: APHIS Controls Over Issuance of Genetically Engineered Organism Release Permit
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Inspector General "Current (USDA) regulations, policies and procedures do not ensure the safe introduction of agricultural biotechnology". The USDA audit report says the agency "lacks basic information" on where field tests are or what is done with the crops after they are harvested (January 2006)

Legal documents

Overview of USA GM legislation, Center for Food Safety, 2006

Other background information

US State legislature on Agricultural Biotechnology
An overview on the content and fate of 117 pieces of legislation addressing GMOs in agriculture introduced at State level in the USA, published by the PEW initiative in June 2006.

California: Sonoma County Ordinance to Prevent Agricultural and Environmental Contamination from Genetically Engineered (Transgenic) Organisms.