The Calgary Herald
From Herald News Services
SCIENCE . An herbicide tolerant Kentucky bluegrass engineered by Scotts Miracle-Gro is not covered by U.S. biotechnology rules nor is it a weed, the Agriculture Department ruled on Friday.
The rulings responded to a query from Scotts about the regulatory status of the variety and a petition from two consumer groups that wanted genetically engineered (GE) Kentucky bluegrass listed as a noxious weed.
Kentucky bluegrass is grown throughout the United States as a lawn grass and a pasture crop. Scotts said it developed the herbicide-tolerant variety without using genetic materials that require regulation. After review, USDA agreed.
USDA said it strongly urged Scotts, in the early stages of developing the bluegrass, “to work with industry partners and stakeholders and to develop appropriate and effective stewardship measures.” Organic farmers have complained of the risk of contamination of their crops by biotech varieties.
