Short Answer Question 10 - Wild Wild Rice – In August, it was announced that portions of the US domestic crop of long-grain white rice was contaminated with an experimental genetically engineered variety. Japan is now refusing US exports and the EU is requiring expensive testing of every shipment. Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribes fear a similar kind of contamination for the lake-grown wild rice that is central to their economic, cultural and spiritual well being. Do you support legislation to protect Minnesota’s wild rice economy from contamination by experimental genetically engineered products and the loss of foreign markets which would result?
Response from Peter Hutchinson:
I don’t know. This is a new issue for me. I certainly don’t want pursue a strategy that will threaten the wild rice crop and the livelihoods of those who depend on it, but I don’t know what actions are being proposed nor what their consequences might be. When elected, I will pull together the “good heads” (scientists, etc.) and the “right heads” (key stakeholders) to design an effective response.
Short Answer Question 10 - Wild Wild Rice – In August, it was announced that portions of the US domestic crop of long-grain white rice was contaminated with an experimental genetically engineered variety. Japan is now refusing US exports and the EU is requiring expensive testing of every shipment. Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribes fear a similar kind of contamination for the lake-grown wild rice that is central to their economic, cultural and spiritual well being. Do you support legislation to protect Minnesota’s wild rice economy from contamination by experimental genetically engineered products and the loss of foreign markets which would result?
Response from Mike Hatch:
Yes. Although I support scientific research at the University of Minnesota, I fully understand the economic, cultural, and spiritual importance of wild rice to Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribes and dangers associated with genetic contamination. Many countries ban the importation of genetically modified crops including wild rice. I believe that both sides need to engage in honest dialogue regarding this contentious issue in order to find common ground.
Short Answer Question 10 - Wild Wild Rice – In August, it was announced that portions of the US domestic crop of long-grain white rice was contaminated with an experimental genetically engineered variety. Japan is now refusing US exports and the EU is requiring expensive testing of every shipment. Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribes fear a similar kind of contamination for the lake-grown wild rice that is central to their economic, cultural and spiritual well being. Do you support legislation to protect Minnesota’s wild rice economy from contamination by experimental genetically engineered products and the loss of foreign markets which would result?
Response from Tim Pawlenty:
Wild rice has important cultural and economic significance to Minnesota tribes. While no genetically-engineered (GE) wild rice has been introduced in the U.S., I understand the concerns about potential rice contamination from a GE variety. However, before considering legislation, I support efforts to ensure that a credible regulatory system and public input process is in place both at the state and federal level before any variety in considered for introduction.
Short Answer Question 10 - Wild Wild Rice – In August, it was announced that portions of the US domestic crop of long-grain white rice was contaminated with an experimental genetically engineered variety. Japan is now refusing US exports and the EU is requiring expensive testing of every shipment. Minnesota’s Ojibwe tribes fear a similar kind of contamination for the lake-grown wild rice that is central to their economic, cultural and spiritual well being. Do you support legislation to protect Minnesota’s wild rice economy from contamination by experimental genetically engineered products and the loss of foreign markets which would result?
Response from Ken Pentel:
I want a moratorium on GE wild rice in MN. My goal is to stamp the state of Minnesota “Organic”. If we phase in the State as organic we will protect our landbase, the quality of our food will be trusted and we will produce higher value for tribes and farmers.
It’s time we stop this corporate experiment with our natural resources, there’s to much at stake.
Loading ...
