Maine may finally let Bt corn be grown, sold

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=120389&ac=PHnws

Over the past decade, a particular type of genetically modified corn has taken the farming world by storm with a built-in pesticide that wards off bugs from seed to harvest.

The exception has been Maine, the only state where corn engineered to produce the Bt toxin cannot be sold or grown. But that may change soon.

The biotechnology industry is trying to break into the Maine market again. And with science that protects against a wider array of pests and growing demand from Maine farmers, opponents of Bt corn are worried that the state won't say no this time around.

Dow AgroSciences, Pioneer Hi-Bred International and Monsanto have applied to sell seven Bt corn products that would be grown for animal feed.

The Maine Board of Pesticides Control could make a decision as early as its next meeting on July 27 in Waterville, according to agency officials.

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