I received the below email concerning the legislative loophole for genetically engineered crops today. I urge any and all readers to please take action. This is a very important national health issue. After all Europeans don't allow GE/GMO crops in there food supply, why should Americans? Don't let our intelligence be undermined by Monsanto and similar companies. We deserve to KNOW what we are feeding our bodies!
Friends,
If you care about the environment, human health and sustainable and organic farms:
It’s time to act!
Write to the USDA in these final 24 hours for the comment period to close the loopholes regulating genetically-engineered (GE) crops, also referred to as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Tell the USDA that the loopholes regarding GE crops must be closed and to suspend approval of additional GE crops until truly independent, peer-reviewed testing can be performed.
While supporters claim this technology is safe, thorough testing was never completed before GE crops/GMOs were introduced into our food chain. Already more than 60 percent of packaged foods sold in U.S. supermarkets contain genetically-engineered food that American consumers unknowingly eat everyday.
Not only is this a great concern for consumer health, but also for family farmers who must pay exorbitant technology fees for the GE seed, and for the environment and sustainable and organic farmers whose crops can become contaminated due to GE drift. 
If you care about food safety, it’s time to make your concern about GE food known! The USDA is accepting public comments on a proposed rule about GE until the close of business March 17th.
Tell the USDA that it must ensure the safety of GE technology for eaters, farmers and the environment!
If you want to learn more about concerns regarding genetically engineered food, watch The Future of Food tonight and this week on DIRECTV Channel 375 and DISH Network Channel 9410. Visit LinkTV for schedule. http://www.linktv.org/
Please send in your comments now!
Best,
Dave
If you’d like to see Food Democracy Now! grassroots work continue, please consider donating as little as $10 or $25. We need all your support to be able to create the change that is needed at the USDA.
How to Submit Comments to the USDA:
Include “Docket Number APHIS-2008-0023” at the top of your correspondence or in the subject line of your email.
Online Instructions:
1. Click here to send your comments to the USDA electronically or go to:
http://www.regulations.gov/
The result with Document ID number "APHIS-2008-0023" is the Interim Final Rule for comments on Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms
2. Click on the “Add Comment” icon and follow the instructions on the next screen.
Tell USDA to: 1. Withdraw the proposed rule; 2. Release the EIS for public review and comment and to be used as a basis for further rule-making; and 3. Suspend all new GE crop approvals until the above has been satisfactorily completed and unless and until GE crops are proven safe.
SAMPLE LETTER (Please cut and paste)
To whom it may concern,
Docket No. APHIS-2008-0023
Regulatory Analysis and Development
PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8
4700 River Road Unit 118
Riverdale, MD 20737-1238.
Re: Docket No. APHIS-2008-0023, Importation, Interstate Movement, and Release into the Environment of Certain Genetically Engineered Organisms.
I am very concerned about the risks posed by genetically engineered crops. They threaten human health, family farmers, and the environment. I urge USDA to withdraw the proposed rule, publish the Environmental Impact Statement for public review and comment, and suspend all new GE crop approvals in the interim.
After USDA releases the EIS, a comment period of at least 90 days is needed so the public has the opportunity to fully participate in a transparent process on this important issue. This will not only aid in the development of the final EIS but also in the drafting of a new proposed rule. The current proposed rule does little to close the loopholes in the regulations the rule is designed to replace and it creates more gaps than it fills.
Sincerely,JANE/JOE DOE
Great content and thank you for your advocacy. This issue really needs a great deal more attention. Genetically engineered foods are a long way from being thoroughly researched and ready for prime time here. Kudos.
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