Letter: To President Bush

Letter

Dear President Bush:

The First Congressional district in Arkansas is one of the top farming districts in the entire country, ranking number one in rice production, number four in cotton, and among the top ten for soybeans. We are proud of our strong farm economy, and our long-standing tradition of providing a safe, and secure food and fiber supply for America's consumers.

I am very concerned with recent actions and statements from Mexico about their positions on American rice. I understand that the Mexican government has recently suspended some imports of long-grain rice from the United States which poses a significant threat to our domestic producers. As you are aware, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration were notified by Bayer CropScience last year that the company has detected trace amounts of regulated genetically engineered rice, LLRICE 601, in samples taken from commercial long grain rice. Both have reviewed the available scientific data and concluded that there are no human health, food safety, or environmental concerns associated with this GE rice. According to Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns, the presence of LLRICE 601 in the food and feed supply poses no safety concerns. Furthermore, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service also conducted a risk assessment, which indicates LLRICE 601 is safe in the environment.

As you know, the United States exports approximately fifty percent of our rice crop, and these statements pose a significant threat to our domestic producers. Any phony barrier put in place by countries should not be tolerated and sanctions should be requested if the trade barrier is not immediately lifted.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

MARION BERRY

Member of Congress

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