The USDA is seeking public comments on two GMO issues significant in sustainable agriculture--GMO contamination and "Agent Orange" 2,4-D crops. These issues affect farmers and consumers alike, so if you haven't done so already, please take a few moments to submit your comments on these issues.   

The public comment deadlines are March 4 on GMO contamination and March 11 on "Agent Orange" corn and soy.

In the "TAKE ACTION" sections (see more info below), we provide step-by-step instructions, links to submit your comments, and sample letters. 

Thank you for making a difference to protect our sustainable food system!

It's a fact: farmers' crops have been contaminated with genetically engineered crops, also known as GMOs. And as long as the U.S. allows GMOs to be planted, this will continue and likely increase.

Farmers who don't want to grow GMO crops face significant burdens. To protect their crops, farmers must establish wide buffer zones, losing the use of significant amounts of land. They spend time and extra money to find non-GMO seeds. And if they are contaminated despite their efforts, they lose sales in organic and non-GMO markets.

Who is responsible for GMO contamination?

In 2011, the USDA convened an advisory committee to discuss the issue. The topic was labeled "coexistence," based on the assumption that GMO and non-GMO crops can coexist in the same area. But that's already been proven false: non-GMO farmers are inevitably harmed by pollen that is blown or carried onto their farms, GMO material caught in harvesting and cleaning equipment, and the numerous other ways that contamination occurs.

The advisory committee recommended that farmers buy crop insurance to cover the costs of unwanted GMO contamination. How is this fair? Organic and other non-GMO producers would have to spend even more money to protect themselves, while the companies that profit from GMOs would continue to escape their responsibility for GMO contamination prevention and compensation.

See more info and talking points.  

Submit comments to USDA by midnight Tuesday, March 4 (11:59 p.m. Eastern)

Remember Agent Orange, the chemical from the Vietnam War that caused so many health problems and birth defects? If Dow AgroSciences has its way, one of the main ingredients of Agent Orange will be sprayed in massive amounts all over the U.S.

Tell the U.S. Department of Agriculture to say NO to "Agent Orange" corn and soy!

Dow has genetically engineered corn and soybeans so that the plants can withstand the application of 2,4-D, half of the notorious Agent Orange chemical cocktail. Studies show that 2,4-D disrupts hormones, damages the nervous system, lowers immunity to illnesses, and causes reproductive problems.

Unfortunately, this chemical is already being used in industrial agriculture. But its use is limited because it kills so many plants; farmers have to be careful about how and when they spray it. If Dow's GMO crops are approved, however, farmers will be able to spray 2,4-D throughout the growing season to kill weeds without damaging the GMO crops. This means a lot more 2,4-D in the environment and as residue on food!

"Agent Orange" corn and soy are making their way through the approval process, and this is the last chance the public has to submit comments to the USDA. We need to submit more comments than ever before to stop these crops from unleashing a new toxic assault on our health, our communities, and the environment.

Take a moment to tell the USDA to reject these new GMO corn and soy crops!  

See more info and talking points. Dow and Monsanto are requesting approval from USDA on herbicide-resistant seeds; there's an opposition statement and hardcopy petition you can share with others at farmers markets, conferences, etc.  

EXTENDED DEADLINE:

Submit comments to USDA by midnight Tuesday, March 11 (11:59 p.m. Eastern)