John Block Reports from Washington

Hello everybody out there in farm country. This radio commentary is brought to you by  Monsanto, and John Deere. They are all friends, supporters, and allies of a healthy farm  economy and prosperous rural America. Thank you.

And now for today’s commentary—

Perhaps, just perhaps, scientists, world leaders, and the ag community are ready to stand  up to the outrageous, unjustified attacks on GM crops. Prime Minister Cameron of the UK said  it’s time to acknowledge the value of genetically engineered crops. Thousands of scientists from  all over the world signed a petition to counter the GM critics. Nina Fedoroff, University of  Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia said, “It’s long past time for scientists to stand up and  shout. ‘No more lies – no more fear mongering.’ We’re talking about saving millions of lives.”  Finally, I think the ag community is beginning to realize that it’s time to fight back.

Even today, there are many countries that ban the cultivation of all genetically modified  crops. They are not totally banned in Europe but they just as well could be.

On the positive side, I should report that the acceptance of GM crops is expanding.  Biotech acreage in the U.S. continues to grow 93% of soy acres, 90% of corn, and 90% of  cotton. We are exporting 40 billion dollars worth of GM production. Brazil is emerging as a  biotech leader. In 2012, developing countries accounted for 52% of global biotech crop  production.

Think about how much GMO food is being consumed now, with no bad effects. The  critics of GMOs don’t have anything negative to point to. They can’t make their case. They just  want to scare people.

My commentary today on GMOs was inspired by a front-page article in the New York  Times. I am more inclined to expect the New York Times to publish some left-leaning review of  the GM issue. But no. They are right on target.

The event that triggered their article was an attack on GM rice plants in the Philippines  by a mob of protesters. The rice they pulled up by the roots is referred to as “Golden Rice.” The  rice is endowed with a gene from corn. With that gene added, the rice provides a source of  vitamin A. The lack of that vital vitamin causes blindness in a quarter million children each  year. You would think organizations like Green Peace would care about the children.

Anyway, I am hopeful that we have heard enough of the ignorant critics. We have  science on our side. We care about people.

Until next week, I am John Block in Washington, D.C.