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Amy Meyer Pharmaceutical Rice Threatens Markets of Missouri Rice Growers JEFFERSON CITY, MO (April 27, 2005) – Missouri Farmers Union today expressed opposition to the proposed production of pharmaceutical rice, a crop that is genetically altered with human and animal genes to produce experimental pharmaceuticals, in Southeast Missouri. In November 2004 Ventria Bioscience, presently a California based company, proposed field trials of approximately 150 acres of pharmaceutical rice in Missouri. “Missouri farmers have spent generations developing their crops to provide the public with safe, healthy food. We need to insure that these investments are protected,” said Russ Kremer, president of the Missouri Farmers Union. “The regulatory framework at both the state and federal levels does not appear to require research on issues such as potential contamination, health impacts or other types of genetic pollution. We want to see that scientific studies have been done, rather than just rely on the industry to tell us that the technology is safe.” The move by Ventria Bioscience to Missouri was prompted by federal and state level opposition in California to the planting of the crop, a more relaxed regulatory environment in Missouri and a subsidy package from the state. Currently the United States Department of Agriculture is reviewing the field trial permits for planting the crop in Missouri. If they are approved, the application will be sent to the Missouri Department of Agriculture. MFU also disputes claims that the planting of this crop will be an economic opportunity for farmers and new jobs will be created. “No plant-made pharmaceutical has ever been approved by the Food and Drug Administration,” said Kremer. “Therefore there is no evidence of positive economic impacts; the approval of the field permits will only place unjust risk of contamination and loss of markets on Missouri’ rice farmers.” “The bottom line is we must not allow Missouri to test unproven technology that threatens the livelihood of farmers, the health of consumers and the state’s food industry,” said Kremer. “We are changing the rules of nature with this technology, and in return, we have to make sure that the rules that govern this technology will protect human health, the environment and the markets of the states rice growers.” Missouri Farmers Union’s mission is to protect and enhance the economic interests and way of life of family farmers and ranchers and the rural communities they represent. For more information or to join, go to www.missourifarmersunion.org. # # #
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