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In This Issue:
A) Grain Quality Issues Related to Genetically Modified Crops
B) Genetically Modified Grain: Harvest Pain - What Can You Gain?
Harvest is progressing rapidly and new announcements from grain buyers (including elevators and processors) about accepting or not accepting genetically modified (GMO) corn and soybeans keep coming up. These concerns have arisen primarily due to increased consumer resistance to products containing genetically modified ingredients in Europe and Asia in recent weeks. This sentiment should not be underestimated, as U.S. consumers are also becoming more aware of the issue of genetically modified ingredients in human foods. Public awareness has been fueled in part by attacks of radical environmentalists, who have destroyed several GMO crops in research plots around the country, and who have threatened to step up attacks.
Several key points to keep in mind for Indiana producers as they harvest their crops this fall:
State that "no seed represented by the Seed Company as GMO seed was planted." or "seed represented by the Seed Company as non-GMO seed was planted." State that "care was taken in avoiding contamination in harvesting (combines, grain carts, wagons, trucks), handling (pits, legs, cleaners, bins, augers) and hauling equipment (trucks)."
On the other hand, farmers should be careful NOT to make the following statements. State that the crop in question has "no GM0 germplasm." State that "no contamination has occurred from mechanical harvesting, handling and storage of the crop." State that "no contamination has occurred from pollen drift."
Farmers should be aware that there is a website available to locate buyers of genetically modified grains. The American Seed Trade Association has created a Web database to help you locate grain handling facilities that have indicated a willingness to purchase, receive, and handle genetically enhanced com that has not yet been approved for import into the European Union. The URL for the ASTA Web site is http://asta.farmprogress.com/.
According to Dr. Harl, the issues concerning harvesting handling storage and delivery of genetically modified crops this season adds up to a "high stakes legal problem for everyone involved'. Eventually, with reliable testing at every point at which the crop is commingled (at the elevator receiving station, the processor's bins or at export vessels) it will be possible to monitor more closely what is GMO and what is non-GMO (or more likely, what contains only low levels of GMO germplasm). But the system is not there yet and will not be capable of that type and extent of testing during the 1999-2000 crop season.
The following websites contain additional useful reference material on this subject: http://www.bae.umn.edu/extens/postharvest/tempstor.html#segcrops http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pages/grain
The following web sites contain information about available GMO test kits: http://www.sdix.com and http://www.envirologix.com.
Keeping non-GM (genetically modified) grain separate from GM grain is much like growing identity-preserved grains. In this case, the "plain grain" is the grain whose identity we seek to preserve. There is a lot of common sense in preserving identity, but it is easy to forget some items without making a list of possible sources where mixing can occur. Good communication and good written records are imperative.
An Identity-Preserved Harvest
Consider harvesting non-GM crops first if maturity date allows. When harvesting non-GM crops in fields adjacent to GM crops, also consider treating a few passes at the edge of these fields as though they were GM crops to reduce the possibility of harvesting grain cross-pollinated with GM stock.
Thoroughly clean the combine when switching from GM crops to non-GM crops. The grain tank is, of course, the area that comes to mind. Combined with the clean grain elevator, threshing system augers and gathering mechanisms, a combine can hold as much as two to three bushels of the previous crop.
Handling Identity-Preserved Grain
Trucks and other crop transportation vehicles are typically the easiest link in the system to clean. Any hauling vehicle that includes augers, though, should be cleaned thoroughly. Grain receiving pits, augers or conveyors, elevator legs, dryers and bins are all possible sources of mixing. Clean in and around these parts of the system to minimize mixing. Run some non-GM grain at maximum capacity through the system to clean out and dilute GM grain to reduce mixing.
Storing Identity-Preserved Grain
Inform all employees of the importance of preserving the identity of non-GM grain. Consider labeling bins and delivery systems with permanent color-coded labels and instructions to avoid mixing GM grain with non-GM grain. When two or more completely separate storage systems are available, consider segregating grain by storage site. On farms with systems large enough to duplicate many types of equipment, devote duplicated equipment to either GM grain or non-GM grain.
Cover Your Bets at Delivery
Preserving the identity of ordinary crops is similar to adding a major new grain crop to the U.S. agriculture industry and doing it blindfolded. Commercial elevators, processors and end-users may all want to know whether the grain they are buying has been genetically modified or not. Either as a personal choice or because each person is a link in the system, it is important to develop a reputation for trust. A less-than-honest play by just one or a few individuals will ultimately increase the costs of doing business in an identity-preserved world.
GM crops don't provide any visual clues about their origins. The GM crops that have come into question and that are feared by consumers, look identical to and otherwise have properties identical to non-GM crops. The only way to know something about the identity of these crops is to perform one of several tests designed to identify either the specific genetic material or certain proteins found only in the modified crop.
Keep samples of everything including the seed that went in the ground, samples of what has been harvested, and samples of what has been delivered until you have all the documentation you need to know that the buyer is satisfied.
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Past versions of C.O.R.N. can be found on the World Wide Web at: http:/www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~corn/archive/
C.O.R.N. is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio Crop Producers and Industry. C.O.R.N. is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, State Specialists at The Ohio State University and Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. C.O.R.N. Questions are directed to State Specialists, Extension Associates, and Agents associated with Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center at The Ohio State University.
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