Anti-Hunger Legislation Should Be Technology Neutral
S. 384 Appears to Require Research on Genetically Engineered Crops
Recently proposed federal legislation, the Global Food Security Act (S. 384), provides additional agricultural and rural development assistance to developing countries. The bill was introduced by Senators Casey (D-PA) and Lugar (R-IN). While UCS strongly supports the overall thrust of the bill, we call on Congress to make it technology neutral by stripping a provision in the bill that appears to mandate research employing genetic engineering.
It is inappropriate and unnecessary for international aid to be tied to a preference for genetic engineering technology. To be most effective in advancing agriculture in developing countries, as well as culturally sensitive, assistance should avoid singling out any particular technology. Research institutions in recipient countries should be free to choose the research and technologies they deem most appropriate to their own particular needs and circumstances.
Read our full position statement on the Casey-Lugar bill (pdf).
