SUN VALLEY, Idaho—The Idaho Cattle Association has taken a formal position supporting the use of genetically modified feed.
During the organization’s annual meeting in Sun Valley on Nov. 18, ICA approved a new resolution on the issue, acknowledging the economic and environmental benefits of so-called GMO technology, which involves introducing DNA in the breeding process to improve crop performance.
The resolution states GMO corn hybrids have “never resulted in GMO traits transferred to other plant species, nor has GMO corn ever had detrimental effects on people or animals consuming the grain.”
The resolution also mentions that certain states have mulled legislation to regulate GMO production—crops that it says gives the U.S. beef industry a competitive economic advantage.
John Hall, superintendent of the University of Idaho’s Nancy M. Cummings Center in Salmon, explained the purpose of the resolution to members before they overwhelmingly voted to support it.
“As you are aware, GMO crops have been in the news quite a bit lately. There have been efforts to try to curtail the use of that,” Hall said. “Approximately 90 percent of the corn in the U.S. is GMO corn. We felt like the scientific evidence was there to support that it was a safe product.”
Hall emphasized that the ICA has no objections to members seeking to profit from the production of natural or organic beef that may not be raised on GMO feed.
Mark McGuire, head of UI’s Department of Animal and Veterinary Science, said his department as a whole also supports the advancement of GMO science.
“We believe those GMO crops are safe for the animals, safe for the consumers and better for the environment,” McGuire said.
Richard Savage, a Hamer rancher and former ICA president, considers GMO technology to be critical to help his industry feed a growing global population.
“You see so much negative on these issues. I think it’s important, especially as producers, that we stand up and say these things are safe, there’s nothing wrong with them and there’s no reason why we should not use them, so why wouldn’t we use them if they’re so much more efficient?” Savage said.
Source: www.capitalpress.com