CA Organic Act does not bar use of genes tinkered seeds!

Joe Toth (nntp-xfer.ncsu.edu!gatech!arclight.uoregon.edu!news.sprintlink.net!news-peer.sprJoe Toth)
Fri, 21 Feb 1997 15:30:34 -0500

The California Organic Act of 1990 does not bar the use of genetically
engineered seeds for organic certification.

Although, a few of the 33 private certification boards may be savvy and bar
the use of genetically engineered seeds in organic certification, the national
standard is weak and IS POISED FOR COLLAPSE unless we can counter the
force.

With a relentless government/biotech alliance, it seems
apparent that without a mitigating divine force, the organic market
will participate in the trend towards genetically manipulated
organisms.

Private certifiers are taking a stand. Anyone who is accredited
under I.F.O.A.M., an international organization, may not entertain
the use of genetic engineering on any level. National organic
certification boards like O.C.I.A. and O.F.V. are taking a strict
stand precluding genetic engineering from certification.

Unfortunately, consumers will not be able to tell one certification
sticker from another especially since the U.S.D.A. may not allow
private organic certifiers to indicate that their produce is grown
clean of genetically engineered seeds or microbes.