Thank you to all of you for being here.
One thing this study is showing is that the biotech industry is very diverse and that GE is only a small part of it. They're not the same thing. We know that all the major breakthroughs in varieties and yields have come through either conventional breeding or with biotechnology, but not GE, where we have two traits: herbicide resistant and Bt.
Peter, you talked about public research. Cherry growers in my area recently approached me saying that they're concerned about Summerland, where scientists are not being replaced. We know that we need long-term funding, and we also need it for you folks, Mr. Fabijanski, to assist with biotech. I'll come back to that in a few minutes.
Mr. Zettel, you mentioned that GE alfalfa would basically destroy the organic industry. We have fruit growers and organic growers in my area who are extremely concerned about the new non-browning GE apple. We've had testimony about wheat. Of course, my bill was defeated, but would it not seem logical to call for a moratorium? Specifically in your case, because it seems to be more critical, there should be a moratorium on GE development of alfalfa until stakeholders work with government to determine the feasibility of it. There should be a moratorium on the GE apples so that the food growers and government can work with that issue and the industry. There should be one for wheat also. In other words, before we do this, we should at least have some kind of thorough study. All indications are that it would destroy your industry completely. I would think there should be cooperation with the biotech industry and the organic association and other farmers to say, “Look, let's not take away this livelihood. Let's get this done”. Is it practical to think in terms of calling for a moratorium, specifically in the alfalfa sector?
Would you comment, Mr. Zettel?