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Industry leaders share their feelings on the recently approved genetically modified apples.
THE USDA-ANIMAL AND PLANT Health Inspection Service recently deregulated two genetically modified apple varieties, Arctic Granny and Arctic Golden, finding they are not likely to have a significant impact on the human environment.
We polled members of our American/ Western Fruit Grower Editorial Advisory Board, as well as a few other industry leaders/experts, to see how they felt about it. We asked these questions:
1) Are you in favor of genetically modified fruit? Why or why not?
2) Going forward, what are the ramifications of this decision?
Some of the responses had to be edited because of space considerations, but their full responses can be found at GrowingProduce.com.
ROGER PEPPERL, Marketing Director, Stemilt Growers, Washington
We are not in favor of GM fruit as we have plenty of great pieces of fruit that are meeting customer's needs and desires. Customers have spoken on numerous polls that they do not want us to engage in GMO fruit.
We are worried that customer fears will have a negative impact on our crops and we will need to defend our crops because of others. Consumption will slow up based on lack of trust. We also fear that 3rd party certifiers will become the next fee for us to have to pay to prove what we have never done, grow GMO crops.
DAVID DOLL, University of California Cooperative Extension Pomologist
Yes and no. Yes - as it may help us manage diseases and pests that reduce productivity. No if it impacts trade, profitability of operations, or increases pesticide usage. Personally, I have no issue with consuming GMO fruit.
If successful in creating a market - which includes exporting to the EU - I am sure other commodities will look to develop resistant rootstocks, varieties.
JIM ALLEN, President, New York Apple Association
I am not in support of the Artie Apple. I personally do not feel that turning off the browning gene is worth disrupting the apple category by introducing the first GMO. I truly believe the apple is safe and offers no risk to the environment.
We no longer can say we are GMO-free. Public perception will be negative, which will be fueled by scare...