From: Iowa Farmers Union

Governor Vilsack needs to hear from us with a request to "slow down" on this
issue. Word is that he is behind the push for this legislation. It must be
just because he is not aware of the serious consequences it could hold for
some of our members from contamination from use of unchecked GMO seed.

There is a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday, March 1 at the Capitol at
7:30 a.m. (Yes, a.m. you heard it right) scheduled that way, no doubt, as
there is an effort to limit speaking out on this issue by legislative
leadership. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each and the hearing will last
about 60 or 90 minutes. If you want to speak call the Legislative
Information Office at 515-281-5129 to get your name on the list.

The train on this issue was slowed yesterday. It should be stopped until we
know a whole lot more about what this would do to hard working producers
trying to keep their land free of contaminants that could put them out of
business. The local control issue is also of great importance.

Carlos Jayne for Iowa Farmers Union

From LaVon Griffieon:
Here are some support materials on opposition to SSB#1144 and HF202.  All of
these attachments have direct links in Iowa.  ((If you want to see these
attachments, contact Jane Clark at [log in to unmask]  ))

"Biopharm Company says it will continue gene-splicing drugs into Corn"
11-06-02  mentions:
. the 155 acres of corn the Prodi-gene was forced to destroy in Pocohantas,
IA
. $500,000 in fines that Prodigene (a spin-off of Des Moines based Pioneer
Hi-Bred Int'l) faced for not properly managing growing sites in IA & NE
. Prodigene having to purchase soybeans for $2.8 million that were
contaminated.
. "Potential for Contamination Due to Compliance Failures"  (pg 5 under FROM
NOV 14)
. Discusses buy-out of the contaminated soybeans
. Union of Concerned Scientists discuss global contamination with ISU's own
Kendall Lamkey weighing in on the January 2005 study.

If you have any further questions about why this bill is not a good one--I
can go on for hours!   The contamination of our food supply with
pharmaceuticals (while cities, counties and governing bodies e.g.township
trustees have NO say in the matter) is irresponsible.  The fact that no
time-proven, sound science exists about this technology is frightening.
TheTitanic is a good example of rushing ahead to showcase a new technology
without having the safety features worked out.  The crew sailed before they
secured the life boats.

Thanks for your time,

LaVon Griffieon

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