Interview with Bo Isham

What is the difference between Roundup Ready sugar beets and GM herbicide-tolerant sugar beets?

“They are the same things. The difference between Round-up ready and traditional beets is the gene that has been introduced which confers resistance, actually tolerance, of the chemical compound glyphosate. This is an environmentally safe chemical that is non selective, meaning that it will kill any plant that it comes into contact with except, of course the GM Roundup ready sugar beet.”

Explain the process of growing traditional sugar beets:

“1. Fumigate 2. Bed up and inject fertilizer into the bed 3. Plant 4. Dammerdike to hold water in row 5. Till 1-3 times 6. Apply herbicide between tillage dependent on cost effectiveness and size of beets usually 4 times minimum. 7. Hope once the rows close that the herbicide has held its effectiveness long enough for the beets to out-compete the weeds for sunlight and water.  Cost of traditional herbicide program applied would be around $110/Acre for the season with four times the amount of active ingredient put into the environment and an extra tillage. Total program costs on fertility and tillage and equipment varies on prices of products.”

Explain the process of growing Roundup Ready sugar beets:

“The same as traditional beets other than probably one less trip through the field with a tractor and tillage implement and two less applications of herbicide.”

Goal 1 of the Millennium Development Goals established by the UN is to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. How do GM crops contribute to this goal?

“This will be the number one method used to eradicate hunger in the coming years. We will need to be able to increase yields substantially in order to feed the growing population on less usable land as it is continually lost to urbanization.”

Goal 7 of the Millennium Development Goals established by the UN is to ensure environmental sustainability. How do GM crops hinder this goal?

“Most of the genetic crops will allow for less overall chemical use and also the use of chemicals or farming practices that are more “environmentally friendly” and still maintain needed yields to feed the world’s population. There are concerns regarding the creation of new genes or the movement of genes from unrelated species into food crops, but with proper testing and safety procedures in place there shouldn’t be any need for concern.”

In your opinion, is there a compromise that exists regarding GM crops that could satisfy both MDG goals?

“There really isn’t a compromise because GM crops will be a great way to meet both goals as long as the necessary precations are taken to ensure end-user safety.”

How will the recent law banning the growth of Roundup Ready sugar beets impact local farmers?

“It could be economically devastating to the local economy. Many growers rely on sugar beets as a major source of income throughout the state. Practically it will reduce options for growers in the eastern part of the state where there are already a limited number of alternative crops that are economically and environmentally feasible.”

How will the recent law banning the growth of Roundup ready sugar beets impact the local economy?

“It could potentially reduce the amount of money that will go towards ag, a major player in the state of Idaho’s economy, and will more than likely raise sugar prices.”

How will this law affect the agriculture sector regarding the sales of fertilizers and herbicides to sugar beet growers?

“If Round-up ready sugar beets are banned, the old fashioned way of applying large quantities of herbicides to combat weed populations will have to be used. Lower yields from weed competition will also greatly impact sales.”

How long have Roundup Read sugar beets been grown in the Treasure Valley? How will this affect the ban on Roundup Ready sugar beets?

“3 years with probably 99.9% of growers using this technology.”

In your opinion, does this law take into account scientific evidence, and does it weigh both the pros and cons of growing Roundup Ready sugar beets?

“The Roundup Ready lawsuit is a law, if created, is based on the lack of evidence currently but does not weigh the fact that sugar beets are biennial, meaning they only produce seed on the second year. Banning them from all producing areas only hurts the farmer as no pollen or seed is produced from a biennial plant in the first year. Even if a rogue plant bolts and enters the reproductive stage, it is easily picked out and destroyed.”

In general, what is your opinion of this law?

“It’s not law yet but the ban on growing them is pointless. They reduce the amount of chemical applied to the environment and increase yields making them much easier for farmers to grow.”

How long have you worked in agriculture?

“14 Years.”

What is your official title?

“Parma CPS Certified Crop Advisor.”