Crop Scientists ProtestCompany Limits on GM Seed Research

U.S. biotechnology companies that produce genetically modified seeds are preventing scientists from fully investigating whether the seeds are effective or have a harmful impact on the environment, according to a complaint by 26 university scientists. In an unusual complaint filed with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the scientists said that biotechnology companies prohibit outside scientists from growing the genetically engineered seeds for research purposes unless they first receive company permission. If research permission is granted, the companies then insist on reviewing all research findings before they are made public, the 26 corn insect specialists said in the complaint. As a result, impartial research into the impact of genetically modified crops is “unduly limited,” according to the complaint. What is unusual about the complaint is that the scientists are mainly from large state universities with big agricultural programs and many of the researchers support genetically engineering crops. They are concerned, however, that the research restrictions prevent them from helping farmers obtain higher yields. Some also maintain that the environmental impact of the modified seeds needs further study.