Rodale Institute editor's note:

Some of our readers have expressed disappointment, shock and concern upon learning that the Rodale Institute has incorporated genetically modified (GM) crop varieties into the conventional treatment of our Farming Systems Trial (FST). For a sampling of the comments, scroll to the end of our story by Dan Sullivan posted last week titled Organic no-till leads to updating of Farming Systems Trial. We asked the research team to give you the details of their decision.

In response to reader reaction, the crop scientists at the Rodale Institute explain the inclusion of controversial genetically modified crops to gain real-world test for organics.

We want to affirm, clearly and emphatically, that the inclusion of genetically modified (GM) varieties and agrichemical treatments within our historic Farming Systems Trial (FST) is for scientific comparison purposes only. We've used fertilizers and pesticides in these plots since the inception of the trial following Penn State Extension recommendations for the best non-organic practices in this region to present a real-life comparison with our organic practices.

Our current research protocol updates do not indicate any change or weakening of our support for organic certification, or for our pioneering efforts to develop organic crop-production practices. On the contrary, incorporating the most widely accepted conventional practices into our comparison of organic and conventional cropping systems brings greater scientific validity to our research.

We have included GM crops in the conventional system of the FST, not because we advocate the use of GM crops (we do not), but because they are commonly used by conventional farmers around the country. They are recognized by most agricultural researchers as the best management practice available to conventional farmers. Furthermore, some researchers have criticized FST's scientific results to date, claiming that the conventional system would consistently outyield the organic systems if conventional GM crops were included.

To maintain the scientific integrity of Rodale Institute research, it is vital that our studies avoid bias in their hypotheses and designs. The challenge for all researchers is to value truth and accuracy in our scientific results above all else, no matter how strongly we support a particular viewpoint.

Due consideration

The decision to modify the Farming Systems Trial to include GM crops was not made lightly. For two years our research staff has consulted with scientists from collaborating institutions such as USDA's Agriculture Research Service and land-grant universities. We convened a farmer panel to review the trial's organic and conventional practices. Our goal in modifying FST is to optimize all its farming systems for fair, accurate comparison so we can better understand and increase the sustainability of all cropping systems tested.

Many conventional farmers and researchers firmly believe that genetically modified crops and intensive chemical use are essential to maintain agricultural productivity. They also believe that organic agriculture cannot produce comparable yields with organically allowable inputs or practical labor requirements. By including GM corn and soybean varieties in the FST's conventional system-and doing our best to maximize production in both the organic and conventional rotations-we can scientifically test these assertions with a high level of objectivity and transparency.

Organic integrity not jeopardized

Inclusion of GM crops also does not affect the certification status of Rodale Institute production or other experimental fields. Because the conventional plots in the FST have always received herbicides and mineral fertilizer, the field is not certified organic, even though two-thirds of it is farmed organically. The Institute's remaining certified 300 acres are also protected from GM pollen contamination by both distance and careful timing. The GM varieties are planted earlier and pollinate earlier than the organic varieties, and as such, the remainder of the farm will continue to be organically certified by Pennsylvania Certified Organic.

The primary goal of the Rodale family and Institute staff is to present the scientific truth in comparing organic and conventional agriculture, and to understand the biological mechanisms that drive the productivity, economics, nutritional output and environmental impact of both systems.

Our scientific analyses have been published in rigorous national and international peer-reviewed scientific journals, and we continue to engage both organic and conventional farmers and researchers to improve the quality and relevance of our trials.

This approach meets another Rodale Institute objective to build bridges, cooperation, and camaraderie among all farmers-whether they are most comfortable associating with the term "conventional," "sustainable," "transitional," "organic," "biodynamic" or something else. We strive to help them all develop production systems that work best to better regenerate their farm, the environment and the global food system.

We trust this background helps our supporters to better understand and appreciate the inclusion of GM crops-in a strictly limited way-to advance our organic agriculture research agenda by improving the capacity of the conventional comparison system.

We welcome further dialogue as you consider our potential global impact between working only with the organic systems we have pioneered, on the one hand, and, on the other, maintaining our leadership role in comparing organics with the conventional approach most farmers know best.

Read Comments at: http://www.rodaleinstitute.org/20080605/nf1