Subj: FW: [StopGETrees] Action Alert: Stop the commercial planting of the first temperate GE tree
Date: 6/23/2006 5:13:45 PM Central Daylight Time
From:    [log in to unmask] (Jim Diamond)
Sender:    [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
Reply-to: [log in to unmask] (Biotech Forum)
To:    [log in to unmask]




"Stop GE Trees" is a network of which Sierra Club is a founding member.  Papaya was the first fruit tree to be genetically engineered (commercially).  Since it will be easy to propagate this mutant plum by seeds or by grafting, with further genetic spread by pollination, an introduction anywhere means it will soon be all over the world and no longer subject to recall.  Many other GE varieties are on test plots, both fruit trees and pines, eucalyptus, poplar, etc., getting ready to follow.  The USDA is both the regulatory authority and the cheering section.  "Keep a lid on it" is the message with regard to both.

Jim Diamond, "Biotech Forum" editor
SPST liaison to Genetic Engineering Committee





Action Alert:  Stop the commercial planting of genetically engineered plums-the first temperate GE tree

The US Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments between now and July 17, 2006 on a petition that would allow commercial growing and marketing of the first genetically engineered (GE) plum trees. If approved, this would remove all regulatory oversight of this GE variety, a virus-resistant plum tree known as the Honey Sweet Pox Potyvirus Resistant plum.


Because this GE plum tree is also the first genetically engineered temperate tree proposed for commercial planting, it also opens the door to the commercialization of GE varieties of other temperate trees such as poplars, pines, and walnuts.



This petition has implications for all other GE tree species, as the USDA and the industry want to gauge what the public's reaction will be. It is critical that all concerned about the threat of GE foods and GE trees respond to this USDA petition.

For more information & to take action go to:  http://www.stopgetrees.org



Thanks for helping us STOP the genetic engineering of trees!

Please forward widely


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STOP GE Trees Campaign

http://www.stopgetrees.org


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