We've been told time and time again by various biotech companies that GM crops can be contained to a specific area. How is it that more and more fields of heirloom Maize in Mexico have been contaminated with GMO corn? What are you doing to combat GMO contamination of Organic fields or is GMO contamination just inevitable? Is it inevitable that unapproved GMOs end up in our food supply? Is this why Monsanto blames anti-GMO activists for their unexplained GMO contamination of a wheat field in Oregon?

Expert response from Joshua Price

Friday, 31/01/2014 16:17

I’m not aware of the situation you reference in your first question. But I do know that cross-pollination between commercial hybrids and native varieties has occurred since the advent of commercial hybrids and is a natural process. Mexican growers have improved native varieties by selecting traits best suited to their production requirements, including traits introduced through commercial maize hybrids. However, native seed varieties also are preserved and stored both internationally and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture seed banks. DuPont Pioneer helps fund the international germplasm bank.

 

We’re not aware that organic certification has ever been revoked due to the inadvertent presence of GM material in an organic crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as long as an organic grower has not intentionally planted GM seed and has taken reasonable steps to avoid contact with GM pollen or seed, the detection of a low level of GM material in a crop does not constitute a violation of National Organic Program standards. And, DuPont Pioneer has never sued a farmer because of the inadvertent presence of patented biotech traits in a farmer’s field and we’re not aware any other company has either. For the perspective of an organic farmer on this issue, read this response from Don Cameron to a similar question.

 

The issue of pollen flow has been important to seed companies and scientists for years.  Because corn is an open pollinating plant, it is important to our business to understand how far pollen travels and under what conditions. This knowledge translates into best management practices, such as planting at recommended separation distances or timing the planting so that pollination of the two fields occurs at different times.

 

Regarding the finding of GM wheat in a field in Oregon, read this response for additional information.

Expert response from Scott Mundell

Senior Compliance Manager, DuPont Pioneer

Monday, 03/02/2014 16:23

I’m not aware of the situation you reference in your first question. But I do know that cross-pollination between commercial hybrids and native varieties has occurred since the advent of commercial hybrids and is a natural process. Mexican growers have improved native varieties by selecting traits best suited to their production requirements, including traits introduced through commercial maize hybrids. However, native seed varieties also are preserved and stored both internationally and at the U.S. Department of Agriculture seed banks. DuPont Pioneer helps fund the international germplasm bank.

 

We’re not aware that organic certification has ever been revoked due to the inadvertent presence of GM material in an organic crop. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, as long as an organic grower has not intentionally planted GM seed and has taken reasonable steps to avoid contact with GM pollen or seed, the detection of a low level of GM material in a crop does not constitute a violation of National Organic Program standards. And, DuPont Pioneer has never sued a farmer because of the inadvertent presence of patented biotech traits in a farmer’s field and we’re not aware any other company has either. For the perspective of an organic farmer on this issue, read this response from Don Cameron to a similar question.

 

The issue of pollen flow has been important to seed companies and scientists for years.  Because corn is an open pollinating plant, it is important to our business to understand how far pollen travels and under what conditions. This knowledge translates into best management practices, such as planting at recommended separation distances or timing the planting so that pollination of the two fields occurs at different times.

 

Regarding the finding of GM wheat in a field in Oregon, read this response for additional information.