NCGA’s Yoder Makes Fourth Visit to Europe to Discuss Biotechnology, Coexistence (9-15-06)

National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) member Fred Yoder made his fourth trip to Europe in the past year to discuss coexistence and biotechnology, this time with farmers and government officials in Slovenia, Austria and Slovakia.

Yoder said the overseas trips are important for U.S. farmers and the U.S. government because it allows them to have open discussions with those who are skeptical of biotechnology and coexistence.

“It’s important to change the perspective that there are dangers associated with biotechnology and coexistence,” said Yoder. “We need a functioning approval system and acceptance system. With so many traits coming to the market in the coming years, we cannot afford to keep getting bottlenecked with pockets of non-acceptance. That hampers the potential for the U.S. farmer to use these events. The sooner other nations embrace biotech traits the sooner they get on the market.”

Yoder said every time he has been to Europe, he is noticing changes in attitudes toward biotechnology and coexistence.

“The European attitude toward biotech crops is changing,” said Yoder. “The wheels are slowly turning, but the key is that they are turning. The Slovakians are interested in using biotech crops for fuel. They heard about the yields and realize the potential.”