Genetically Engineered (GE) Papayas

The US Department of Agriculture is accepting public comments between now and November 3, 2008 on a petition that would allow commercial growing and marketing of the first genetically engineered (GE) papaya trees on mainland US soil. If approved, this would remove all regulatory oversight of this GE variety by USDA of a virus-resistant papaya tree known as the Ring Spot Virus Resistant Papaya.

The USDA admits that this GE papaya will contaminate both organic and conventional non-genetically engineered papaya groves if it is approved. GE papaya pollen carried by wind, bees and other insects will contaminate the papaya groves of organic and conventional growers.

For more information and to take action, please visit the Center for Food Safety's current 'Oppose GE Papayas!' campaign at www.ga3.org.