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Experimental Genetically Engineered Trees Grown Across U.S.

The company ArborGen is seeking USDA approval for 29 field trials of genetically engineered "cold tolerant" eucalyptus trees in the U.S. For the first time in history, this massive experiment, which is on the verge of being green-lighted, will literally be using nature as the laboratory to test more than 260,000 franken-trees. Scientists across the U.S. are voicing concerns over this proposal including:

-The USDA failed to do an Environmental Impact Statement to assess potential negative issues related to the proposed field trials.

-Studies have shown tree pollen can travel up to 1,000 kilometers. The spread of the these plants into the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are unknown.

-One of the experimental GE tree varieties is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.

Organic Consumers Association members sent 6871 comments to the USDA during the comment period that ended July 6, 2009.

Please use the form below to send a letter to your U.S. Representative and Senators, as well as Barbara Wells, President and CEO of ArborGen, former co-Managing director of Monsanto-Brazil, and Board Member of the Biotechnology Industry Organization. You can also call and fax Wells at:

+1 843.851.4129 phone +1 843.832.2164 fax

Use a few choice words written by Jim Hightower to tell Wells: "I'm calling about your genetically engineered eucalyptus franken-trees and your plan to clone thousands of these living firecrackers and plant them in forested regions across seven Southern states, allowing them to grow, flower, produce seeds, and spread into native environments. Your GE eucalyptus are wildly invasive, explosively flammable, and insatiably thirsty for ground water. I'll be working with the Organic Consumers Association to stop your irresponsible, dangerous, and stupid plan."

>>Learn More

November 21, 2009

Subject:

I am strongly opposed to ArborGen's proposal to conduct 29 field trials of experimental genetically engineered eucalyptus trees in the U.S. for the following reasons:

-The USDA failed to do an Environmental Impact Statement to assess potential negative issues related to the proposed field trials.

-Scientists at Duke University in North Carolina have created pollen models that show tree pollen traveling from a forest in North Carolina for over 1,000 kilometers northward into eastern Canada. A study published in the New Physiologist found pine pollen 600 kilometers from the nearest pines. Scientists researching sterility in trees have admitted that 100 percent guaranteed sterility in GE trees is impossible. This evidence implies that if GE trees are released into the environment, widespread and irreversible contamination of native forests cannot be prevented.

-The spread of the these plants into the wild through seeds and plant matter is highly likely, and the impacts on native ecosystems from this invader are unknown.

-One of the experimental GE tree varieties is a known host for cryptococcus gatti, a fatal fungal pathogen whose spores cause meningitis in people and animals.

The request should be denied and USDA should be required to conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement.

Thank you,

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