To the editor:

In regard to the article titled “Area growers to protest ‘pharm crops'” in the Dec. 28 Journal-World, it seems a few points of clarification are needed.

First, I do believe the government can properly regulate the production of bioengineered crops. They are doing so right now. We support that all commercially available corn varieties should have full food and feed approvals. And with changes in the regulatory framework adopted over the past few years, that is the case.

Second, the meeting at the Kansas Department of Agriculture on Dec. 29 was not called to discuss “pharm” crops or even cross-pollination. It was called to gather input on a Food and Drug Administration proposal for a “Draft Guidance for the Early Food Safety Evaluation of New Non-Pesticidal Proteins Produced by New Plant Varieties Intended for Food Use.” It has nothing to do with pharmaceutical crops, in spite of the apparent attempt of local activists to make it appear that way.

Jere White, executive director, Kansas Corn Growers Assn.,

Garnett