Over millennia, careful selection or traditional
breeding methods have produced the range of varieties of apples, pears,
cherries and other tree fruit grown in Idaho, Oregon and Washington
orchards. Over the past two centuries, both growers and plant breeders
have used traditional methods to focus efforts to improve the quality of
all deciduous tree fruit.
Agricultural biotechnology is a collection of modern
scientific techniques, including genetic engineering, which are used to
improve, or modify plants, animals, and microorganisms. These techniques
now enable scientists to directly insert genetic material to allow the
expression of desirable traits in ways they could not before. Plants
produced by genetic engineering are referred to as genetically modified
organisms or GMOs.
None of the varieties that are currently offered for
sale in commercial channels by tree fruit growers in the Pacific Northwest
have been genetically engineered.
While genetic engineering techniques have the potential
to offer benefits to both consumers and producers, the Northwest
Horticultural Council is aware that concerns exist both in the U.S. and
abroad regarding the consumption of GMOs. Producers in the Pacific
Northwest are committed to listening to their customers on GMO issues and
working with other grower groups, agricultural scientists and government
regulatory officials to continue to maintain a safe, wholesome, and
affordable food supply.
The Northwest Horticultural Council represents
the deciduous tree fruit industry of Idaho, Oregon and Washington on
national and international policy issues affecting growers and shippers.
For further information, please contact Dr. Mike Willett, Vice President
for Scientific Affairs, at (509) 453-3193 or e-mail at willett@nwhort.org.
For more information on agricultural biotechnology in general, go to www.usda.gov/agencies/biotech/index.html
or www.nwhort.org/biotech.html.
9/24/01
