The USDA Plant and Animal Health Inspection Service closed its investigation into genetically engineered wheat showing up in a Washington state farm field. Back on July 29, the U.S. Ag Department confirmed that genetically engineered wheat was found by a Washington state farmer growing in an unplanted field. After an inspection, APHIS confirmed 22 plants were volunteering in an unplanted field. The wheat growing in the field was also confirmed to be glyphosate-resistant. APHIS worked to ensure that none of the genetically engineered wheat made it into commercial supply by testing the farmer’s entire wheat harvest. All samples were found to be without any G.E. material. The National Association of Wheat Growers and U.S. Wheat Associates issued a release thanking APHIS for their work on the incident. The organizations credited effective communication between APHIS, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, farmer organizations, the grain trade, and customers to keep things moving in a positive direction. They also thanked overseas customers for their continued confidence in the quality of American wheat supplies.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.