Genetically modified crops get tentative support
PORTLAND — The future of biopharming in Oregon may fall under state regulation instead of federal oversight if the recommendations of a committee on genetically modified crops are followed.
Regulation of biopharming crops, like other genetically modified organisms, falls to an arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. State agricultural officials are given notice of permit applications for field trials but have no authority over them.
A failed bill in the 2005 Legislature sought a four-year state moratorium on biopharming, which involves growing crops with genes that have been altered to create pharmaceuticals.
No such crops are currently under cultivation in Oregon but field trials in other states have provoked debate over the risks and benefits.
A 10-member committee, composed of state agricultural and health officials and scientists, was created last year and has been meeting monthly since November.
On Thursday, it released the recommendations for public comment. Members will meet in late September, then make a final report to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
The committee said research and production of plants that yield medicines should be encouraged, provided that the state can exercise more controls to protect conventional crops and public health.
Benefits include the potential for large-scale production of medications at low cost and introduction of vaccines into food crops. However, opponents fear the modified crops could contaminate food supplies or provoke allergic reactions through pollen.
Steve Strauss, an Oregon State University forestry professor and authority on genetic tree engineering, is one of the committee's members. He said biopharming holds great potential for public benefit, but the state needs to have a bigger role.
"Unless some clear process is in place, we don't want to see pharmaceuticals out of doors in food crops," he said.
The recommendations of the committee include:
-- Encourage biopharming as a possible area of investment in technology. The state's mild growing season and established greenhouse and nursery industry give it competitive advantage over other states.
-- Formalize an agreement with the USDA over regulating such crops, including allowing veto rights to state officials.
-- If biopharming crops are grown outdoors, encourage that they not be consumed by humans or animals. Also, require posting of a financial guarantee in case of crop contamination or human exposure.
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Biopharming recommendations: http:oregon.gov/ODA/PLANT/biopharm.shtml.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http:www.oregonlive.com
