[Editors Note: Read the statement the Organic Consumers Association joined in opposition to GE wheat here. Take Action.]

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan (Reuters) – Farm and environment groups
opposed to genetically modified wheat are countering a call from other
farm organizations for biotech companies to commercially develop it.

Fifteen groups in the top wheat-exporting countries of Canada, the
U.S. and Australia released a joint statement of opposition to GMO
wheat on Monday. It follows the May 14 call by GM wheat supporters in
the three countries for synchronized production of GM wheat.

“Genetic engineering for wheat would be a calamity for all wheat
farmers,” said Julie Newman, a member of the Network of Concerned
Farmers in Australia. “Consumers across the world have already rejected
the idea of GE wheat.”

Monsanto Co shelved plans for a herbicide-tolerant GMO wheat in 2004
in the face of opposition from U.S. wheat buyers, farmers and exporters
such as the Canadian Wheat Board that feared a loss of overseas
customers. Major export markets in Europe and Asia are particularly
sensitive to concerns about GM food.

The farm groups’ main concern is that loss of markets will hurt
prices for farmers, said Katherine Ozer, executive director of the
Washington D.C.-based National Family Farm Coalition.

“If (genetically engineered) wheat is released commercially,
contamination would be inevitable and markets would view all wheat
produced from these areas as GE unless proven to be non-GE,” the groups
stated. “Farmers growing GE wheat will take on all of the
responsibilities, costs and liabilities, with little available legal
recourse to recover their losses.”

Other groups signing the statement include the National Farmers
Union, Canadian Biotechnology Action Network, the Organic Federation of
Australia, Biological Farmers of Australia, Greenpeace and the
U.S.-based Organic Consumers Association.

Farmers who support development of GMO wheat say genetic engineering
would help wheat stay competitive with other key crops like corn,
soybeans and canola that have GM seed options. But GMO opponents
counter that unlike GMO crops grown primarily for feed, oil and fiber,
wheat is mainly used for human consumption and would be subject to
labeling requirements in many countries.