Discovery of Rogue GMO Wheat Raises Concerns Over Controls

Genetically modified wheat, supposed to be destroyed long ago, was found in an Oregon field and could disrupt the $8 billion US wheat export market. US consumers may shrug abut GM crops, but other countries fear accidental contamination of their crops. Japan and South Korea promptly suspended orders for US wheat. “The wheat was developed years ago by Monsanto Co to tolerate its Roundup herbicide, but the world's largest seed company scrapped the project and ended all field trials in 2004,” report Carey Gillam and Julie Ingwersen for Reuters. “The incident joins a score of episodes in which biotech crops have eluded efforts to segregate them from conventional varieties.” Tests for monitoring stray GM plantings are not available. Monsanto conducted research in 16 states over a decade – and required all samples and leftovers be buried or burned because the Roundup Ready wheat is tough and resists herbicide. Critics expect regulators to put a stop to GM crops if segregation can’t be assured. – YaleGlobal