(forwarded by Tom M.) From an excellent website on genetic engineering: http://members.tripod.com/~ngin/farming.htm RSPB wants 3-year ban According to the Farmer's Guardian (UK) for Nov 6th 98, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has expressed concern that the use of genetically modified crops might exacerbate the decline in farmland birds caused by pesticide use and other factors associated with modern farming. Graham Wynne, RSPB chief executive, has said, "Any reasonable assessment of the enviromental safety of these crops will require a minimum of three years, but the government seems determined to permit the release of the crops after only one year. The fact that Monsanto has now resorted to blaming cats for the decline in farmland birds simply adds to the impression that it is only the enviromental groups who are putting forward arguments based on Science." ----------------------------------------------------------------- To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send email to [log in to unmask] Make the message text (not the subject): SIGNOFF IOWA-TOPICS