ITIF, Independent Scientists Call on US Interior Secretary to Reverse Policy Against GM Seeds

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), one of the world's top science and technology body, together with a group of independent scientists, have submitted a letter to U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to call on the department to reverse a Fish and Wildlife Service policy that phased out the use of genetically modified (GM) seeds. The letter argues that the policy was improperly adopted three years ago and stands at odds with the conservation objectives of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

The group said that the ban against the use of GM seeds is "arbitrary and capricious," as GM crops are shown to be the most modern, precise, efficient, and effective methods of seed improvement. They also said, "The prohibition of ‘genetically modified' crops is a wrong-headed and anti-environmental policy, and the conceit that it is being advanced out of respect for a ‘land ethic' is indefensible."

ITIF senior fellow Val Giddings said, "Labeling crops as ‘genetically modified' stigmatizes their use, when in reality, their safety is proven and their benefits are significant."

Read the letter on the ITIF website.