On the third issue, Pioneer has apparently heard farmers and has recently adapted its web page resources to make it very clear what the base genetics is for any herbicide tolerant or Bt hybrid. For example on the Iowa corn hybrid page , go to -- http://www.pioneer.com/us_products/iowa/corn/default.htm

The columns in the characteristics tables are straightforward; the fourth column reports "Base Genetics," which is defined as -- "Identifies the non-converted hybrid which is modified to include new technologies. Mange similarly to the base genetic hybrid."

On the first and second issue, it is clear on the Pioneer Iowa corn hybrid page that some of the non-engineered base genetic hybrids are not offered in 1999-2000. For example, the first variety listed -- 38P06 is a Bt hybrid with base genetics 38P05, but 38P05 is not listed in the ratings, suggesting it is not offered for sale in Iowa.

The Pioneer "Iowa Corn Characteristics Ratings" page lists 23 Bt hybrids. Of these 23, the non-GMO versions are listed, and hence presumably available in 7 cases; they are not listed and hence presumably not offered in 13 cases; and the "Base Genetics" is not identified in 3 cases. Dale, if I missed something, please correct the record. These observations lead to a couple of questions which I hope someone from Pioneer will address --

• In the 13 cases where the "Base Genetics" hybrid is not offered, do farmers have a choice of very similar genetics? If so, how would they know?
• In the 3 cases where "Base Genetics" are not identified, what other modifications have been made in those varieties? What genetic changes have been incorporated in these varieties in addition to adding the Bt trait?

Information on the supply, demand and sale of different hybrids by region is needed to definitively answer questions related to the first two issues noted above. Such information is highly guarded by seed companies. We will have to await for any official word from Pioneer and/or other seed companies re their policies. I do know from several years of interactions with Pioneer people that Pioneer's policy is to offer for sale the hybrids and genetics that farmers are demanding. If demand grows for non-GMO varieties, it is fair to say, based on the company's history, that Pioneer will expand its offerings of non-GMO seed. If this proves not the case, farmers will complain and move to other companies. Both reactions will be unambiguous. If there is an overall nationwide shortage of non-GMO varieties next year, we will also hear about this and there will be consequences and the seed companies will have to respond. The adequacy of that response will determine whether and to what extent government actions are seen as necessary to restore a greater degree of responsive in the market.

In the case of DeKalb (see url below), the information re GMO and matching non-GMO genetics is also pretty obvious in most cases, since most GMO hybrid designations are simply tacked onto the non-GMO variety -- for example, DK471 -- the modifier "IMI" for imidazolinone herbicide tolerance is added right after the 471, so that the modified hybrid becomes DK471IMI. Plus, in most cases, the herbicide tolerant or Bt transgenic hybrids follow right after the non-GMO base genetics, so no major mysteries here. There are exceptions on the DeKalb page -- for example DK545BtY is a Bt variety obviously, but the closest match in a non-GMO version appears to be DK540. If enough people raise questions, perhaps DeKalb will match Pioneer's lead and add a column to its characteristics tables which report "Base Genetics."

DeKalb characteristics table for Iowa/corn --

Given the concerns re availability in GMO versus non-GMO seed for the year 2000 season, and the major uncertainty all seed companies face in predicting demand in today's highly volatile environment, it seems really important for USDA and the corn growers associations to develop cooperatively a survey of corn growers, to be undertaken in late spring, regarding their corn variety purchasing decisions. There will be all sorts of anecdotal information floating around, much of it subject to a degree of spin since almost no one these days has a completely dispassionate and disinterested perspective on these matters. Hence, the value of timely information from a properly designed statistical survey. If the survey documents significant mismatches between the genetics offered and farmer demand, it will hasten and help shape responses in both the public and private sectors and provide a baseline against which to monitor improvement in future years.

chuck

Charles Benbrook
Benbrook Consulting Services
5085 Upper Pack River Road
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208-263-5236 (Voice) 208-263-7342 (Fax)

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