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Corn Grower President Explains Biotech Issues in Thailand (5-31-01)
The president of
the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) Lee Klein returned to the
United States Saturday after a recent trip to Thailand, where he explained
the views of the nation's corn growers on biotech to Thai farmers and
government officials.
The NCGA was the
only corn grower organization invited to participate in the 11-day speakers
program trip sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Klein's presentations
to farmers, university representatives and U.S. Chamber of Commerce
members focused on biotechnology's numerous benefits and the need for
accessibility to the technology.
Klein explained
to the Thai audiences that U.S. corn growers use biotechnology only
when it pays returns. "We advocate the availability of biotechnology.
Ecology and economy are the beneficiaries."
He pointed out
the field of biotechnology has the potential to create disease-free
corn specifically for Thailand and other areas based on their needs
and environment. In fact, Klein said biotech developers are working
on corn that could be completely free of mycotoxins, naturally occurring
chemicals produced by fungi growing on grain, feed and food that are
detrimental to the health of both animals and human.
Klein emphasized
biotech's opportunities in Thailand. "Due to the tropical climate,"
he said, "insect resistance and disease control is imperative.
The average farm in Thailand is approximately three acres and insects
are controlled with backpack sprayers. One of the farmers I met had
scars on his back from his backpack. He, and others like him, would
benefit from biotechnology."
"We're trying
to create world-wide understanding and acceptance of genetically-enhanced
products," said Klein. "We want to show the Thai people the
opportunities this technology offers."
Klein left Thailand
optimistic about the opportunities for biotech. Since almost 80% of
the Thai population farm, it really made a difference during his presentations.
"We received
a good reaction from the farmers," said Klein. "They were
able to relate to us because they understand that we have some of the
same farming issues. As farmers, they were interested in the cost of
biotechnology and the cost of crop production."
For more information
on biotechnology, go to www.ncga.com.
Last
reviewed May 31, 2001
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