Farmers are on the front line of decision making on the use of agricultural biotechnology products. Farmers see NAEC's action as a much needed step to help them sort out, especially the environmental side of, decision making around biotechnology. The question is, what should a farmer take into consideration as they make their decisions. NAEC held a workshop on July 28 and 29 to address just that. One key recommendation from workshop participants is that information for farmers is needed and NAEC's work in this area was viewed as important and strategic.
Key issues surround the management of the technology.
Several speakers and audience members noted that while this is a promising technology, it cannot be abused. Farmers have a strong responsibility to manage this properly, else they will destroy an option for pest control in particular. Each farmer needs to use this technology responsibility. Several speakers and participants recommended caution with using biotechnology, noting that nature is complex and not well understood and care should be taken on use of the products. Farmers need to learn how to design a management plan for resistance, including the size and placement of refuges of non-Bt crops, crop rotation, the need for enhanced record keeping, monitoring and a quick response to any resistance.