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2004 sales of genetically modified seed nearly triple in Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont
January 19, 2005

Source: Times Argus via Agnet Jan. 19/05
Darren M. Allen

Steve Kerr, the Vermont secretary of agriculture, food and markets, was cited as telling lawmakers Tuesday that the amount of genetically altered seeds sold to Vermont distributors last year was nearly triple the amount recorded two years ago.

Kerr said that almost 460,000 pounds of soybean and corn seeds altered to resist insects and disease were purchased by the companies who ultimately sell them to farmers. The story notes the rise in sales reported by the major manufacturers of genetically altered seeds is alarming to many in the organic farming movement, who fear contamination of their crops by the engineered ones.

Rep. David Zuckerman, P-Burlington, chair of the House Agriculture Committee and an organic farmer, was quoted as saying, "The use of these seeds is not just one sector of farmers versus another. It's a discussion going on within sectors."

The seed report is a compilation of sales figures reported by the manufacturers themselves. Most states – and the federal government – do not require such reporting.

Times Argus via Agnet Jan. 19/05

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