The debate over the future of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) remains clouded in a sea of uncertainty. This uncertainty is driving many farmers away from planting GMOs for next spring.

The questions over legal liability for contamination due to cross-pollination, labeling by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) of all products containing genetically altered foods and the growing consumer resistance to GMO products makes for confusing and uncertain conditions for production agriculture.

"In this day and age of historically low commodity prices, America's farmers cannot afford to plant a crop in the spring that is not marketable by the fall," said Gary Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the American Corn Growers Association. "Current uncertainty creates a valid and serious economic concern."

Over the past three years, European and Asian consumers have resisted the importation of crops containing GMOs. This resistance has now come to the shores of the U.S. in a wave of confusion, questions and doubt. The results are the continued loss of export markets for American farmers and legislation leading to the labeling of GMO food products.

These actions are forcing farmers to find ways to protect themselves immediately. Therefore the ACGA recommends that farmers currently harvesting GMO crops should utilize the commodity loan programs. This way, if prices for GMOs continue to drop because of lowered export demand, they always have the option of forfeiting their commodity back to the government.

"Farmers must weigh the benefits of GMOs with the risks. Questions of liability, labeling and marketability are compounded by the questions of certification, segregation, cross-pollination and corporate concentration. If any of these questions are not answered to the satisfaction of the agricultural producer, alternatives to GMOs should be considered for this coming spring," concluded Goldberg.

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