STUDY: GM CROP FIELD TESTS WIDESPREAD IN US DESPITE CONCERNS
by Sarah Morgan

More than 47,000 field tests of genetically engineered crops were authorized by the Department of Agriculture between 1987 and 2004, despite continued concerns regarding long-term and environmental impacts, according to a report released this week by the Texas Public Interest Research Group.

Texas alone has been home to 1,494 field-test sites, the group reports.

In particular, the report, "Raising Risk: Field Testing of Genetically Engineered Crops in the US," documents the increasing popularity of crops engineered to produce pharmaceutical and industrial chemicals as well as large numbers of experiments of crops never tested before.

The ten crops authorized for the greatest number of field releases are corn, soybean, cotton, potato, tomato, wheat, creeping bentgrass, alfalfa, beet, and rice.

But the USDA authorized field tests on several crops for the first time in 2003 and 2004, including American chestnut, American elm, avocado, banana, eucalyptus, marigold, safflower, sorghum, and sugarbeet, according to TexPIRG.

The group also found that since 1991, the USDA has received 240 requests for 418 field releases of crops engineered to produce pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, or other "biopharmaceuticals." And these numbers are on the rise. The number of requested field releases of biopharm crops increased to 55 in 2004, up from 22 in 2003. Further, almost 70 percent of all field tests conducted in the last year now contain genes classified as "Confidential Business Information," meaning the public has no access to information about these experiments, according to the report.

The concerns surrounding these experimental genetically engineered crops are due to the fact that they are grown in an open environment, and aim to test the outcome and environmental impact of certain gene combinations.

According to a TexPIRG press release, "A major goal of the field tests is to obtain information about potential ecological risks associated with genetically engineered organisms. However, independent reviews of the data collected by the Department of Agriculture demonstrate that very little information has been gathered."

Therefore, the group contends, questions about the impact of these crops on a long-term basis, as well as the impacts on nontarget species and soil remain unanswered.

However, there have been more comprehensive studies conducted in Europe. Most recently, a study commissioned by the British government published at the end of March found that bird populations in Western Europe are being adversely affected by chemical engineering.

According to the study, some bird species are at only one tenth their population of 30 years ago and several have abandoned their old habitats altogether.

The study compared genetically modified canola (rapeseed oil) with non-genetically modified varieties grown side by side. Scientists studied the plants for three years and found that, although the total weed count for the GM and non-GM fields was about the same, GM fields had about one-third fewer seeds from broad-leaved weeds, which means less food for birds.

This also, affects the insect population, as many feed on the flowers of broad-leaved weeds. According to Jeffrey M. Smith, author of Seeds of Deception, this helps explain why the bee population among the GM fields was cut by up to half and butterflies by up to two-thirds during the month of July.

But Smith said that it is not just the genetic modification causing the decline.

"It's the herbicide that they are engineered to withstand that does the damage," he said in an article, "Genetically Engineered Crops Damage Wildlife," published online at www.seedsofdeception.com.

As a result of their findings, TexPIRG has called for a moratorium on genetically engineered foods until independent testing demonstrates safety, a labeling system is implemented, and the biotechnology industry agrees to be held accountable for any harm resulting from the products. To read the full report, visit:
http://www.texpirg.org/TX.asp?id2=16715&id3=TX&

GROUPS ASK HOME DEPOT AND LOWE’S TO OFFER NONTOXIC LAWN PRODUCTS
From Texans for Alternatives to Pesticides

This week, a coalition of 20 consumer and environmental groups from across the United States asked the national headquarters of Home Depot and Lowe’s Home Improvement, two of the largest home and garden retailers, to carry a full range of organic, nontoxic lawn care products and to reconsider the sale of "weed and feed."

According to Defenders of Wildlife and Beyond Pesticides, two groups heading up the coalition, 14 of the 30 most commonly used lawn pesticides are ‘probable’ or ‘possible’ carcinogens with studies linked to cancer. Children are especially susceptible to health problems associated with exposure.

Further, the groups state that out of 213 million pounds of non-agricultural pesticide use in the US, more than 90 million pounds are used on private lawns and gardens per year, with 10 percent coming from "weed and feed" products alone.

"Scientific findings show that the lawn chemical mixtures are linked to neurological, endocrine, immune, and abortion effects. The greatest effects appear to be happening at miniscule exposure amounts," said Warren Porter, Ph.D., environmental toxicologist at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in a press release.

Recently, 70 Canadian municipalities banned or restricted the aesthetic uses of pesticides. Most states in the US have laws that prevent localities from making such reforms, but in at least seven states, legislation is pending that would overturn those laws and open the way for greater protections from lawn chemicals as in Canada, according to Beyond Pesticides.

The groups also state that surveys show 40 million homeowners are buying or looking to buy non-toxic, natural alternatives, and others would consider buying natural alternatives, presuming they are conveniently available.

For more information, visit http://www.nopesticides.org.

BAYOU CITY FARMERS’ MARKET NOW ON WEDNESDAY

The Bayou City Farmers’ Market, located in the parking lot behind 3000 Richmond at Eastside has expanded its hours and is now open on Wednesdays from 4 to 7 pm, in addition to Saturdays from 8 am to noon. Since September 18, 2004 the market has offered a varied selection of fresh products grown and made locally, including free-range eggs, honey, handmade soaps, fresh roasted coffee and other seasonal offerings. For more information on the market, visit
http://www.urbanharvest.org.

SUMMER OFFICE SPACE SUBLEASE AVAILABLE

The Texas Public Interest Research Group is looking to sublet an office space beginning April 18 until Aug 12. The space is located at 3100 Richmond, and is adjacent to the Galveston-Houston Association for Smog Prevention/Mothers for Clean Air offices. The space is about 125 square feet and rent is $250 a month, including utilities, fax, phone, Internet, and printing. Contact Luke Metzger at (512) 479-7287 or luke@texpirg.org for more information.

PRE-SALE INFORMATION: EVENING WITH ROBERT F. KENNEDY, JR.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., one of Time Magazines "Heroes for the Planet," will speak at 7:30 pm Monday, June 13 at The Hobby Center’s Sarofim Hall. Kennedy is the author of "Crimes Against Nature," whose first chapter is titled "The Mess in Texas." His speech, "A Contract with Our Future," explains how our natural surroundings are linked to our work, health, and identity as Americans, and how good environmental policy is good for business. Kennedy will autograph his book after his speech. Brazos Bookstore will provide books for sale in the foyer. Kennedy is senior attorney for the Natural Resources Defense Council, president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, and co-host of "Ring of Fire" on Air America Radio. Music will be provided by Mood Indigo, voted Houston’s best vocal ensemble, and the event is Hosted by Randall R. Morton, Founder of the nonprofit Progressive Forum. Tickets range from $10 to $35 and go on sale to the public April 29. However, there is a special pre-sale offer for groups. The pre-sale code is NATURE. To order tickets, call (713) 315-2525 or visit the website.

FLOODING AND GREENWAY PARKS & TRAILS PROJECT IN CYPRESS CREEK WATERSHED

This year’s Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition annual meeting will focus on a series of storm water flood damage reduction projects. Presentations will include information and pictures describing the goals and projects of the Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition, environmental effects of ongoing urban development, fundamental aspects of flooding in the Cypress Creek watershed, and a brief overview of the government approach to flood damage reduction in the watershed and the CCFCC position. There will also be a presentation on the Cypress Creek Greenway project conceived 30 years ago in response to two of the area’s most pressing problems: flooding and the need for recreation. Presentations will begin at 7:30 pm April 20, and will be followed by a question-and-answer session. The meeting will be held at Ponderosa Forest Fire Station, 17061 Rolling Creek. Call (281) 444-3354 for more information.

EARTH DAY EVENTS

This weekend’s Earth Day events include Armand Bayou Nature Center’s Earth Day: Reconnect with Nature, and Nature Discovery Center’s Spring Fling: Eat & Play - Celebrate Earth Day. Both events will be Saturday, April 16. Armand Bayou’s events include owl prowls, cruises, and more. There will be environmental exhibits, wildlife demonstrations, environmental classes on birding, gardening, and photography as well as baby animals, guided pontoon boat tours and guided hikes, nature-inspired artists and vendors, and canoeing on May's Pond. Armand Bayou Nature Center is located at 8500 Bay Area Boulevard. For a more information including a schedule of events, contact (281) 474-2551 or visit . The Nature Discovery Center is joining forces with Whole Foods Market - Bellaire, the Bellaire Recycling Committee and others to put on a double event - a park full of games, crafts, and special guests at the Nature Discovery Center and a barbecue at Whole Foods Market - Bellaire. Nature Discovery Center is located at 7112 Newcastle, Bellaire, TX 77401. For more information, contact (713) 667-6550 or visit
http://www.naturediscoverycenter.org.

MOTHERS FOR CLEAN AIR SEEKS SCHOOL HEALTH COORDINATOR AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Mothers for Clean Air, a local nonprofit environmental organization, has received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency to implement EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program in Spring Branch Independent School District schools. The School Health Coordinator will work with SBISD and MfCA to organize training of school IAQ coordinators and assist selected coordinators in implementing EPA’s program in their respective schools. The School Health Coordinator will report to the MfCA project manager and will collaborate with SBISD’s Associate Superintendent of Facilities, Transportation and Support.

Responsibilities include facilitating the implementation of EPA’s Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools program in 46 SBISD schools. The School Health Coordinator will work with SBISD’s Facilities Department to develop a strategy for implementation, partner with EPA Region VI, Fort Bend ISD and Region IV Education Service Center to develop training sessions, arrange a Tools for Schools presentation for SBISD principals, and more.

The applicant should have a bachelor’s degree, reliable transportation and at least two years of work experience. The applicant should be an excellent communicator and have strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

The applicant should be passionate and committed because compensation is limited. The School Health Coordinator is a part-time, one-year grant funded position and does not currently include benefits. Time required is estimated at 15-20 hours per week and pay is $1000 per month.

MfCA has also received a US Environmental Protection Agency grant to work with the residents of Southeast Houston and area stakeholders to reduce the community’s exposure to hazardous pollution. The Community Outreach Coordinator will inform the community of the project, recruit residents and stakeholders to be part of the process, assist with implementation of the project and coordinate training of residents to take air samples in the community. The Community Outreach Coordinator will report to the MfCA executive director and will fulfill the requirements of the community organizer position in the EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem Solving grant called Improving Environmental Quality through Collaboration.

Responsibilities include learning about the community through research and meeting with individuals in the community, building a network of community leaders and stakeholders, recruiting residents to participate in the project and to take community air samples, and more.

The applicant should have a master’s degree in a related field or a bachelor’s degree and at least two years of experience in community organizing, and reliable transportation. The applicant should be an excellent communicator in both English and Spanish and have strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The Community Outreach Coordinator is a three-year grant funded position that does not include benefits. This position can be either full-time or part-time and requires work on weekends and in the evenings.

To apply for either position, e-mail your resume and a cover letter stating why you think you would be good for this job to mfca@mothersforcleanair.org.

--

--