NCGA SAYS EPA EXTENSION OF BT REGISTRATION IS A DOUBLE WIN FOR GROWERS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Tom Slunecka, 636-733-9004, Ext. 114

ST. LOUIS (October 16, 2001) -- The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) says U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for an additional seven years is a dual win for corn growers.

"First, it's a win for the science-based regulatory system that NCGA has supported that provides U.S. growers with access to this technology," said Leon Corzine, NCGA Biotech Working Group member and Assumption, Ill., corn grower. "Second, the EPA's Insect Resistance Management (IRM) requirements are based on the initial guidelines NCGA helped EPA develop more than two years ago and the recommendations NCGA made during the recent EPA comment period.

"The EPA has conducted a two-year, in-depth study of Bt corn," Corzine continued, "and determined that it poses no risks to people or the environment. The NCGA worked very hard to ensure that science would decide the continued availability of Bt and we're very pleased that the EPA used a public process in making its decision."

EPA's re-registration of Bt corn hybrids includes specific requirements to strengthen insect resistance management (IRM), to increase research data on potential environmental effects, and to improve grower education and stewardship.

"Today's producers are well equipped to comply with the EPA in the matters of stewardship. The producers NCGA represents recognize the importance of stewardship proper and compliance in using Bt corn as well as any new technology with special requirements. We believe that compliance policies should be enforceable and farmers have repeatedly demonstrated when properly educated they will follow the appropriate guidelines," Corzine said. "NCGA has proven in the past they are dedicated stewards of the land and we've made great steps recently to ensure IRM is strengthened. We're very comfortable with the rules set forth by EPA."

NCGA's Know Before You Growsm program on its website www.ncga.com explains why IRM stewardship is important and how IRM can be implemented. "NCGA fully supports the concept behind the current IRM plan and recognizes the potential to increase compliance levels," he said.

Of particular concern during a two-year study conducted by the EPA were the potential risks to Monarch butterflies. In investigating these risks, the Agency requested extensive data to evaluate the potential concern. The scientific evidence demonstrates that Bt corn does not harm Monarch butterfly populations.

"It has been proven time and time again that Bt corn does not affect Monarch butterflies or the environment," said Corzine. "Hopefully, this will end the argument once and for all and allow us to focus our attentions on other pressing topics, such as granting President Bush Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and getting the Farm Bill passed."

For more information about NCGA and biotechnology, visit www.ncga.com.

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