Consumers, however, still must be convinced of how valuable the science is to the safety, quality and affordability of their food supply, according to American Farm Bureau Federation President Dean Kleckner. Kleckner, addressing the National Forum for Agriculture in Des Moines, Iowa today, said the continued prominence of American agriculture depends on the public's confidence in biotechnology. The farm leader said the development of consumer education programs is vital to biotechnology's acceptance.
Education is crucial, both in our domestic and our export markets.
We need to be sure that both ethical questions about the processes and food safety issues are adequately addressed. Some nations have worked hard at keeping genetically-enhanced food products out of their markets. Ignoring scientific evidence that demonstrates the safety of bio-engineered foods, those nations have been successful in raising their citizens' concerns. Biotechnology has already produced several breakthroughs in the agricultural community. Thanks to genetic engineering, farmers can now grow crops on ground that used to lay fallow for a season, Kleckner pointed out.