Bayer can't control its genes

Late last Thursday, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the identity of the latest mystery gene found contaminating US rice stocks: LL604. The gene is yet another experimental, unapproved variety that somehow made its way into commercial rice varieties. The USDA had no option but to ban the planting this growing season of Clearfield 131, a popular rice variety sold by BASF. Bet the folks at BASF aren't very happy...

Rice farmers are even more angry at the economic losses caused by careless genetic engineers. The solidly conservative California Rice Commission took a reasonable conservative action last week -- they voted in favor of a ban on all field trials of genetically engineered rice in California. While the Commission has no regulatory power to prevent field trials, they are an advisory body to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). It is unlikely that CDFA would approve field trials contrary to the wishes of the Rice Commission.

The USA Rice Federation, the industry-wide advocacy body, minced few words in its condemnation of both the USDA and the genetic engineering companies that can't keep track of their genes. From Al Montna, Chairman of the federation: "...we are increasingly frustrated with the apparent lack of ability on the part of private companies and federal regulators to control research and maintain accountability of the resulting products. The current approach to research, development and management in the biotechnology industry must be replaced with more conservative methodologies."

Surely the contamination scandal couldn't have had that serious of an impact on the industry, you might be thinking. Just check out the USA Rice Daily newsletter from 12 March at http://www.usarice.com/industry/communication/daily.html.

At least 47% of US rice exports have been affected, including exports to Iraq (!), which is requiring the testing and certification of GE-free status of US rice imports. Last week, when Mexico announced it was stopping US rice shipments at the border until GE-free certificates could be produced, rice futures prices dropped almost 50 cents.

At last count there have been close to 60 lawsuits filed against Bayer by US rice farmers.