Re: CULT: Genetically Manufactured Organisms (GMO) and GMO-Free legislation

Kitty

I would depend how the legislation was framed. Some GMO contain DNA from
other plant species, some from differnt types of organisms only. A few
simply by rearranging DNA from within that species, exactly as Dip to Tet
conversions. The main concerns with GMO are the introduction of frogien DNA
into a species and what other DNA might also come with it. Also the release
of that DNA into other species. Eg Glyphosate resistance getting from crops
into weeds. Also there is a concern that the big multinationals will
controll world agriculture. I work in the biotech industry and can see both
sides of the discussion. However I would be surprised if your legislation
prohibits within species modification. What it would do about anthocyanin
control genes from eg roses is an interesting point. Perhaps there is a need
to simply modify the anthocyanin exprsssion within the species.
Unfortunately there isn't enough money is irises for somewne to spend the
miltimilluons of dollars nescessary to do this.

I'd be interested in what you legislation defines as a GMO

Colleen Modra
Adelaide Hills
South Australia  Zone 8/9

colleen@impressiveirises.com.au
www.impressiveirises.com.au





----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Lobergs" <loberg@adelphia.net>
To: <iris@hort.net>
Sent: Sunday, March 07, 2004 6:11 AM
Subject: [iris] CULT: Genetically Manufactured Organisms (GMO) and GMO-Free
legislation


> I wanted to provide information on a topic that many perhaps have not
thought
> about or are unaware of.
>
> I live in Mendocino County, Northern California. In the primary election
last
> Tues, about 56% of the voters passed a local Measure which "Prohibits the
> propagation, cultivation, raising and growing of genetically modified
> organisms (GMO's) in Mendocino County." Supporters claimed it protects the
> environment and local agriculture. Those that were opposed to the local
> ordinance didn't want government poking in their back yards, and were
hopefull
> some day that science would be able to save our Black Oaks from sudden oak
> death, our large grape vineyards from Pierce's disease (spread by the
> Sharpshooter beetle), treat certain animal diseases with scientific
> advancements, and have biotech crops which require LESS pesticide use. (Or
> like trying to develop Iris which are resistant to leaf spot or bores.)
>
> Professors with Ph.D's from Stanford, the US Food and Drug Administration
and
> local agriculture was opposed to this measure, as I was, however, it
passed.
> (Our County is known as one of two Counties with the most grown Marijuana
in
> Calif. also) If ever anyone develops a RED bearded iris though genetic
> modification, I will not be able to grow it legally in my yard. Two days
after
> this measure passed, the local Ag department began enforcement (they have
to
> by law) by restricting nurseries from bringing in Blue Carnations to sell
to
> the public because the are GMOs. I know there have been hybridizer's using
> chemicals to modify genetics in several types of Iris; that's how we got
> double chromosomes, I think, but I certainly wouldn't know which Named
> Varieties might technically be considered GMOs. It is sickening to me that
> someone would be able to tell me that I might have to destroy irises I now
> grow or could unknowingly select to grow any year if they consider them
GMO's,
> and that I can be Fined for growing them. The measure allows the ag
inspector
> to enter private property without notice as any neighbor can file a
> complaint.
>
> I just thought this might be a topic of interest to discuss.
> Kitty Loberg,
> Region 14, Northern Calif.
>
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