Hawaii is genetically engineered crop flash point

[unhappycamper]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FOOD_AND_FARM_SEED_FARMING?SITE=VANOV&SECTION=BUSINESS&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Hawaii is genetically engineered crop flash point
By AUDREY McAVOY
Associated Press
Apr 19, 9:55 AM EDT

WAIALUA, Hawaii (AP) -- You can trace the genetic makeup of most corn grown in the U.S., and in many other places around the world, to Hawaii.

The tiny island state 2,500 miles from the nearest continent is so critical to the nation's modern corn-growing business that the industry's leading companies all have farms here, growing new varieties genetically engineered for desirable traits like insect and drought resistance.

But these same farms have become a flash point in a spreading debate over genetic engineering in agriculture.

Kauai and Hawaii counties have moved in the past several months to regulate genetically modified organisms and the pesticides the farms use. In Maui County, a group is collecting signatures for a potential ballot measure that would impose a temporary ban on the crops.