Some farmers in the U.S. are joining environmental and consumer groups in opposing genetically engineered crops, adding strength to campaigns to have the crops regulated more tightly. More than 40 state bills have been introduced this year to regulate the crops or the labeling of foods made from them. In North Dakota, a bill to ban the planting of genetically modified wheat for two years has already passed the state House and is now before the Senate. Although many farmers favor genetically modified crops because they have traits like strong pest resistance, some farmers fear they won’t be able to sell the crops abroad. Europe and Japan are strictly regulating such crops and consumers outside the U.S. are avoiding foods that contain genetically engineered ingredients.
