Dr. John V. Byrne
Former President, Oregon State University
October 2, 2002
As an Oregon citizen, I'm concerned about Measure 27 on the fall ballot.
Measure 27 would require Oregon farmers, grocers and restaurants to put special
labels on products that aren't 100% "organic." Labels saying "Genetically
Engineered" would be required on all food and beverage products made or sold
in Oregon that are produced with any modern biotech process or ingredient
- even if those products don't actually contain any genetically engineered
ingredients.
Biotechnology is now widely used to improve the yield and quality of many
food products and to reduce the need for pesticides. In fact, about 70% of
the food products sold in the U.S. are produced with a crop, ingredient or
process that involves biotechnology.
Measure 27 seems to ignore our national policy and scientific consensus.
The use of biotechnology in food production is supported by respected health
organizations such as the American Medical Association, National Academy
of Sciences and World Health Organization.
Measure 27 would mandate special labels that could be viewed as warning labels
on products known to be safe. In fact, Measure 27 would require labels that
could make people think there are things in their food that aren't actually
there!
Measure 27 would force the Oregon Department of Agriculture to conduct thousands
of inspections to try to enforce this labeling scheme - at a cost to Oregon
taxpayers of over $118 million in the next 10 years. This could make Oregon's
state budget deficit even worse and take away vitally needed funds from education
and other important public services.
Furthermore, the millions in increased costs forced upon Oregon farmers and
food producers to comply with Measure 27's red tape and bureaucracy could
be passed on to consumers through higher food prices - costing an average
family of four an estimated $550 more per year.
I urge you to take a close look at Measure 27. After you do, in rejecting
this costly labeling law by voting NO on 27.
Thank you
Sincerely,
John V. Byrne, Ph.D.
hope you'll join me