Introduction

Genetic engineering is a process by which new genes are inserted into the genome of a plant, animal, or other organism. The new genes usually come from a very different type of organism, for instance, genes from salmon have been inserted into tomatoes, and genes from bacteria have been inserted into corn and soybeans. The growth of genetic engineering technology in recent years is unprecedented, and shows no signs of slowing down. The first genetically engineered (GE) plants were introduced in 1995 to prevent crop damage by pests, and now the “next generation” of crops engineered to produce pharmaceutical and industrial products are being introduced.(1) A number of crops, including canola and soy, have been significantly experimented with, but others, including various fruits and nuts, have only begun to be explored. Genetic engineering also extends beyond the realm of agriculture. Tests are now being conducted to make trees more resistant to pests and to increase the growth rates of fish. As the sophistication of the technology increases, so will the questions surrounding the use of GE organisms.

The use of GE organisms has presented a host of questions. Many individuals raise questions about the safety of GE organisms and the overall ethics issues regarding their use. Also important is whether they are as effective as they were intended to be. However, one of the greatest concerns is genetic contamination and its effect upon the natural environment. There is already evidence that crops containing pesticides can harm non-target insects, and that crops engineered to resist herbicides encourage increased spraying of chemicals which pollute our water and soil. Furthermore, the new genes can “escape” into wild plants(4), contributing to the spread of herbicide resistance(5) and causing ecological damage.

Due to the regulatory structure at the federal level, genetically engineered organisms are currently regulated by three different agencies and no less than twelve laws.(6) Generally speaking, the current regulatory schematic dealing with GE organisms needs to be updated to reflect the new technology and its prevalence. It is important for a strong federal stance to be developed, but, in the meantime, states have been on the forefront with introducing legislation concerning genetic engineering. In the 2001-2002 state legislative session, 158 bills were introduced in 39 states.(7) It is important that, as states look to push the value of biotechnology, they also deal with the legal issues surrounding the use of genetically engineered organisms. The bills included in this package would mandate labeling for food and food products that contain GE organisms; require manufacturers to be liable for their products; and, ban the cultivation of GE crops while states study their impact.

Also see SERC’s package on Transgenic Fish.

This web site offers the tools necessary for your state to grapple with the issues surrounding the use of genetically engineered organisms. These tools include sample bills, talking points, press clips, a fact pack, research, and other background information.

We may have other useful materials on this subject which are not posted on our web site. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call our office in Madison, Wisconsin, at (608) 252-9800.

If you’ve used this site and found it helpful or, if you have suggestions about how it could be made more helpful, please let us know. Feel free to use the sample bill text included here in your state. If you do, please notify us.