UNCERTAINTY CONTINUES TO PLAGUE GENETICALLY 
MODIFIED CROPS INTO THE NEW YEAR

No Good News in Store for Biotechnology Companies as
U.S. Farmers Turn Their Backs on the Planting of GMOs

TULSA, OK. January 4, 2000---As corn producers enter the new year, the
American Corn Growers Association (ACGA) sees no change in the uncertainty
facing genetically modified crops (GMOs). In fact, the likelihood is that
both foreign and domestic opposition to these products will continue to grow.

"Since last March, U.S. trading customers in Europe, Asia, India, Brazil,
and Mexico have been very clear in their refusal to purchase GMOs. It is
time our governmental leaders and grain exporters recognize this opposition
and act accordingly," said Gary Goldberg, Chief Executive Officer of the ACGA.

In Europe, most major supermarket chains are now rejecting genetically
modified food products, while in Asia, major beer breweries and Japan's
largest flour miller will stop using ingredients produced from GMOs. In
Mexico, the nation's largest tortilla maker has announced that they will no
longer purchase GMO corn. Brazil recently ripped out their GMO soybean seed
crops so that they can supply the world with non-GMOs.

"Everywhere we turn, our customers are rejecting GMOs. It is time that we
return to the premise that the customer is always right, and that it is the
responsibility of American agricultural producers to supply the market what
it demands. In this case it is non-GMO products," added Goldberg.

Other important issues that surround the GMO situation for the year 2000
includes the questions of certification, segregation, cross-pollination,
corporate concentration, product labeling and liability.

The recent meeting of the National Grain and Feed Association included
discussions of grain contracts that could allow an elevator to reject the
delivery of GMOs. If this action were taken, not only would American
farmers face the loss of foreign markets, but the likelihood of limited
domestic markets to deliver their crops to.

Recent statements by a leading agricultural economist for the Federal
Reserve Bank predicted higher consumer food costs because of the expense to
segregate, test and label GMO products.

The liability question also continues to face agriculture. Who is legally
responsible for contamination of a neighbor's field?  Will farmer begin
suing farmer over cross-pollination or will the liability rest with the
seed corn companies where it belongs? On the issue of segregation and
certification, who will bear the financial burden of testing crops and the
added expense of keeping GMOs separate from non-GMOs? 

All indications point to a sizable reduction in GMO seed purchases for this
coming season. The uncertainty over market availability caused by consumer
resistance, and the questions of liability and segregation are driving
farmers away from genetically modified seeds. The ACGA prediction of a 20
percent to 25 percent reduction in GMO planted acres seems more likely
everyday.

"If production agriculture has not been able to answer these questions to
their own satisfaction, they may want to consider planting alternatives to
GMOs.  After all, can farmers afford to plant a crop in the spring that may
not be marketable come fall? Or will their GMO crop face sizable discounts
come harvest time or even premiums for non-GMOs," added Goldberg.

The American Corn Growers Association will continue to protect the
interests of this nation's farmers who are caught in the middle of this
dispute between seed dealers, chemical companies, grain exporters and
processors, foreign consumers and U.S. trade policy. Through no fault of
their own, farmers are facing the uncertainty of market loss, increased
expenses and lower farm income. 

"The problems with genetically modified crops will not be going away
anytime soon. Nor will the likelihood of questionable export markets, legal
liability and increased costs for certification and segregation. We suggest
that farmers examine their own individual farming operation to weight any
benefits versus the risks of GMOs," concluded Goldberg

Contact:  Gary Goldberg, 918-488-1829

acga@acga.org