How Organic Farmers Can
Minimize GE Contamination

10 Strategies to Minimize Risks of GMO Contamination
by James A. Riddle <jriddle@luminet.net

Organic Independents, Winona, MN

More and more consumers are looking for organic foods. It is the largest
growing sector of the food industry, with growth rates of 20-25% per year for
the last 12 years. The new Federal rules for organic production prohibit the
use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in organic production. Even
though organic farmers don't plant GMO seeds, crops can become contaminated
by GMO pollen drift, use of contaminated seeds, and/or sloppy handling practices.

Since it will soon be planting season, organic, transitional, and non-GMO crop
farmers need to know steps they can take to minimize risks of GMO
contamination. The following list, which has been distributed nationwide,
outlines some strategies that farmers can employ to minimize risks.

1. Know your seeds Prior to planting, verify that non-GMO seeds will be used.
Obtain statements from seed companies concerning the non-GMO status of the
varieties to be planted. Have seeds tested for all applicable GMO events .
Retain copies of test results and letters from seed suppliers.

2. Know your farm Know your fields and determine which have the lowest risk of
GMO contamination. Select isolated fields for wind and/or insect pollinated
crops (corn, canola). Know the prevailing wind direction. Establish physical
buffers, such as windbreaks and hedgerows.

3. Know your neighbors Establish good lines of communication with neighbors,
especially those who directly adjoin organic fields. Notify them that you are
an organic farmer, and where your organic fields are located. Get to know
farmers who farm adjoining fields, even if they rent the land. Post Organic
Farm signs along field margins, where needed.

4. Know your neighbors crops Gather information from neighbors, seed dealers,
and farm input suppliers on the types of crops being grown in the vicinity.
Know which GMO events are being planted. If neighbors are growing Bt crops,
ask them to plant their 20% non-Bt refuges in areas that adjoin organic
fields, to provide some buffer protection. If possible, delay your planting
dates so that your organic crops do not pollinate at the same time as GMO
crops.

5. Know your equipment Know what your equipment is used for. This includes
rented and borrowed equipment and equipment used by custom operators. Know how
to clean all pieces of equipment, including planters, combines, wagons,
trucks, etc. Clean equipment prior to use in organic fields, and keep records
to document your equipment cleaning activities.

6. Know your harvest Submit samples prior to harvest for GMO testing. If
contamination is likely, collect samples along a grid pattern, going from
areas with the highest risk to areas with low risk. Submit the samples
separately, in case part, but not all, of the field is contaminated. Make sure
samples are tested for all applicable GMO events. Keep copies of test results.

7. Know your crop storage Carefully inspect storage units prior to use. Dust
from GMO crops can contaminate organic crops. Thoroughly clean augers, bins,
grain dryers, rotary screen cleaners, etc., especially if they might have
previously been used for GMO crops.

8. Know your truckers Carefully inspect and clean trucks and trailers prior to
loading with organic grain. Make sure that transport units, including overseas
shipping containers, are free of grain, dust, and other foreign material. Keep
records to document, including clean transportation affidavits and bills of
lading.

9. Know your records Document your efforts to minimize GMO contamination.
With good records, you will have a better chance of limiting losses, identifying
causes of problems, and determining liability. Valid records of organic yields
and sales may help establish claims for losses, should contamination occur.

10. Know your buyers Know the contract specifications under which the organic
crop is being grown. Know your buyer s sampling and testing protocols. Know
the market-driven GMO rejection levels (tolerances) for the crops grown.
Communicate with buyers and organic certifying agents concerning GMO
contamination issues.

James A. Riddle

Rt. 3 Box 162C

Winona, MN 55987

Ph/fax: 507-454-8310