The Growing Corn Controversy

(CBS)  In a cold business calculation made over a cold Nebraska winter, Boyd Ebberson is backing away from genetically modified corn.

The decision bothers him, reports CBS News Correspondent Wyatt Andrews. Last year what he calls GMO corn -- the kind genetically engineered to kill insects -- cost him less to grow and required no pesticides.

However, Ebberson says, "I'm in the business to sell corn."

He's afraid of the market. Ebberson's biggest buyer warned him there may be no market for genetically modified products.

"My customer is giving me the indication he does not want the GMO," says Ebberson. "I'm going to do what he wants me to do. That's what I learned in economics 101."

Fear of genetically modified corn is building like a Western snowstorm. In a survey of more than 500 farmers, the American Corn Growers Association found 16 percent fewer acres will be planted with GMO corn this April. It's remarkable when you consider that farmers love the stuff.

Ebberson's own brother, Craig, who is also a veteran grower, says gene altered corn is safe. He's planting just as much as he did last year.

"We like the product and the technology and we're gonna continue using it," Craig Ebberson says.

Over the last three planting seasons gene modified crops have blanketed the heartland, totaling half of all the soybeans grown and a third of all the corn. But a funny thing has happened on the way to the biotech future: the worried consumer.

Consumers in Europe are demanding GMO-free imports. American manufacturers like Frito Lay and Gerber have announced their foods will be GMO-free.

"I feel it's a safe product and I would love for them to accept it, but if they don't, I'll do what they want," Boyd Ebberson says pragmatically.

The tale of the two brothers Ebberson reflects the confusion over gene altered technology. One brother is placing his bet on science, the other is hedging his in the shifting winds of consumer demand.


©2000, CBS Worldwide Inc., All Rights Reserved