Dated Jan. 16, 2011, Dr. Don Huber addressed his concerns of new fungal disease possibly ravaging genetically modified corn and soybeans developed by Monsanto. Genetically modified foods have been controversial since their inception. Benefits include higher yields, more resistance to typical plant diseases and possible resistance to insects.
One part of Huber's letter is rather frank and alarmist.
"For the past 40 years, I have been a scientist in the professional and military agencies that evaluate and prepare for natural and manmade biological threats, including germ warfare and disease outbreaks. Based on this experience, I believe the threat we are facing from this pathogen is unique and of a high risk status.... It should be treated as an emergency," Huber's letter states, according to the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance.
Regardless of whose claims are valid, it brings the debate about genetically modified foods to the forefront. The debate about whether or not farmers should use genetically modified foods will continue even though 53 percent of U.S. crops use some form of the new foods. If there is to be change in the race to find better crops and crop yields, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will have to look into these claims.
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