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The Rural Voice, 1999-05, Page 6QUICK -FIT INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT-END LOADER ATTACHMENTS Front Loader Pallet Fork • 48" long solid forklift tines • Sliding adjustable • 5000 Ib. capacity Manure Fork • 48" - 7 tines • 72" - 9 tines • 60" - 8 tines, • 84" - 11 tines Single European -Style Spear 8E500 • 39' forged tine • Easy stabbing '8 removal • Optional 49" tine available Material Bucket • Wrap-around wearbar for extra strength • Unique formed construction for easy filling and clean-out HORST WELDING R.R 3. Listowel, Ontario N4W 3G8 (519) 291-4162 FAX (519) 291.5388 Dealer enquiries invited 2 THE RURAL VOICE Feedback Facts more convoluted than column stated Bob Mercer, in his April column, chastises farm organizations for weak communications about genetically modified farm crops, and then renders himself guilty of the same offence. The true story about Dr. Pusztail of Scotland's Rowett Institute for Agriculture, and his research on genetically modified potatoes fed to laboratory rats, appears to be much more convoluted than Mercer implies. Dr. Pusztail was forced to retire when it was revealed that his experiments ignored the conventional route of scientific peer review, and the design lacked appropriate controls. Further, it is not even clear whether the rats were fed genetically engineered potatoes, or whether the protein was simply added to the diet. Dr. Pusztail's research was subsequently applauded, and his dismissal (at age 68) decried, by an international group of "independent scientists", only to have it revealed that the group featured former research associates and others — such as Dr. Cummins from the University of Western Ontario — known more for their anti - biotechnology perspectives than for their research. And the entire "independent scientists" effort appears to have been organized by the strongly anti -biotech group, the Friends of the Earth. Now Dr. Pusztail and colleagues claim that the rats were actually harmed by a genetic "promoter" gene added to the biotech potatoes — a promoter used commonly in other crop biotech products. But this research has apparently not been published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, and contradicts related research results from other institutions. An independent (truly independent, we're assured, in this case) British scientific panel is now reviewing Dr. Pusztail's claims, with results expected within weeks. Those who see the potential for benefits from agri-food biotechnology to environment and both food supply and quality — and to farm income as well as corporate profits — find that their communication challenges involve the need both to provide accurate information and to deal with orchestrated misinformation.0 Terry Davnard Executive Vice -President Ontario Corn Producers' Association (4, _Perth Dust Control Applies Environmentally Friendly Dust Suppressant Great for parking lots, driveways, constructions sites, farm lanes, etc. • NO LEACHING • NO CHLORIDE • NO RUST • NO OIL Non-toxic and non -corrosive. Increases the load bearing capacity of all roads and creates a tightly bound surface that improves traction and skid resistance. Approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Canada Food and Agriculture and the Ministry of Transportation. It provides • the safest most effective dust control available. Perth Dust Control uses versatile, calibrated equipment that ensures a hard, durable surface. We can apply close to buildings -- or wherever you need it. For a Free Estimate Call STEVE KUEPFER RR 1, Newton, ON (519) 595-8025 Mobile (519) 272-5296 Fax (519) 525-4441 24 hr. Personal Answering Machine