Ben Lilliston

About the author: Ben Lilliston is the communications coordinator for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, a group that works to assist family farmers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Lilliston coauthored Genetically Engineered Foods: A Self-Defense Guide for Consumers.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs), especially corn, contaminate organic crops. GMO corn pollen has drifted onto hundreds of acres of non-GMO farmland. Crops previously grown as organic for years are currently testing positive for traces of GMOs, dramatically decreasing their market value and raising concerns for those wanting organic produce. Organic farmers, who are held responsible for their contaminated crops, seek legislation that would hold seed makers liable instead. Large biotech corporations have faced lawsuits for failing to follow EPA regulations and for inadequately testing GMO crops before releasing them.

Nebraska organic farmer David Vetter...