Maine Ag Department to Host Biotechnology Forum

The Department of Agriculture and its Board of Pesticides is holding a forum on biotechnology and genetically engineered crops in Bangor on Thursday, November 14, 2002. Details are provided in the press release below. The program promises "lively debate" and an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

While the speakers at the forum are heavily weighted in favor of the biotech industry, MOFGA is pleased that, at its request, the program includes Dr. Charles Benbrook, former Executive Director of the Board of Agriculture of the National Academy of Sciences, author of "Pesticide Management at the Crossroads" (Consumers Union, 1996) and of several recent studies concluding that genetically engineered crops do not economically benefit the farmer.

Dr. Benbrook will also give a seminar on "The Economics of Sustainable Agriculture," addressing both the potential for substantial progress in pesticide reduction in the U.S. and the economics of genetically engineered crops, on Wednesday, November 13, 3:00 p.m., Deering Hall, University of Maine, Orono. The U. Maine program is free and open to the public; the cost of the Department of Agriculture program is $15. Registration deadline for the November 14 program is November 7.

From the Department's Press Release:

Biotechnology today promises agriculture new tools more revolutionary than anyone envisioned at the start of the Green Revolution. At the same time, it invites concerns shared by environmentalists, many growers and consumers. Will this powerful technology save or irreparably harm American agriculture?

To help you decide, the Maine Department Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources is hosting Farms, Food and the Future: Weighing the Facts on Biotechnology in Agriculture on Thursday, November 14, 2002 at the Bangor Motor Inn Banquet & Conference Center 701 Hogan Road, Bangor. There, local and nationally renown speakers will present these topics: how biotechnology works, how regulators oversee biotechnology and the views of opponents and proponents.

Look for this important meeting's agenda in the next issue of Agriculture Today.

This day-long forum includes a hot luncheon buffet, lively debate between speakers and opportunities for you to ask questions. Seating is limited. To attend, send your check for $15.00 per person payable to Treasurer, State of Maine to Commissioner's Office, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Statehouse Station 28, Augusta, ME 04333 no later than November 7, 2002.

BROCHURE:

Biotechnology: Bane or Boon?

An invitation for you to decide...

"Today's Maine farmer faces a decision that will shape the future of agriculture: whether to embrace biotechnology. No doubt the use of biotechnology in agriculture is cultivating the concern of consumers as well as growers. Among the issues I hear throughout the state are questions about dietary risk, genetic pollution and economic sustainability for farmers.

At the same time, the power of biotechnology promises crop varieties able to resist pests, tolerate inclement weather and even deliver enhanced nutrition.

Risk versus benefit, myth versus fact-the outcome of this debate can determine confidence in the very food we eat.

For this reason, I am delighted that the Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources has gathered nationally renown speakers to present these topics:

-how biotechnology works
-how regulators oversee biotechnology
-the views of opponents and proponents

Opportunities for the audience to ask questions, lively debate between speakers and a hot buffet luncheon will be provided. But seating is limited. Please join us by registering before November 7th!"

--Robert Spear, Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources

(Agenda:)

Farms, Food and the Future: Weighing the Facts on Biotechnology in Agriculture

8:30-9:00 A.M. Registration

9:00 Welcoming Remarks, Explanation of Purpose and Introduction of Moderator - Robert W. Spear, Commissioner, Maine Department of Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources

9:05 Ground Rules of Forum - Moderator: Evan Richert, Associate Research Professor, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine

9:10-10:10 Basics of Genetic Engineering - Michael E. Vayda, Professor, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology, University of Maine, Orono, Maine

10:10-10:30 Break

10:30-Noon Regulatory Process for Biotechnology Products

• Margaret Jones, Biotechnologist, Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington D.C.
• Phil Hutton, Manager, Microbial Pesticides Branch, Bio-Pesticides and Pollution Prevention Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington D.C.

Noon-1:00 pm Hot Buffet Luncheon

1:00-2:30 Economics, Environmental, and Public Perception Concerns with Biotechnology Products

• Leonard Gianessi, Program Director and Senior Research Associate, National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, Washington, D.C.
• Charles M. Benbrook, Benbrook Consultant Services, Sandpoint, Idaho

2:30- 2:45 Break

2:45-4:00 Panel Discussion Between Speakers, Audience

4:00 Adjourn

Directions to Bangor Motor Inn Banquet and Conference Center:

Just North of Bangor, Hogan Road exit (Exit 49) off Interstate Route 95, directly across Hogan Road from Appleebee's and K-Mart.

Telephone: 947-0355 or 800-244-035