September 5, 2002 -- The United States remains committed to providing about a half a million
tons of food aid to southern Africa. But, says U.S.
Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman, "Our ability to deliver
desperately needed food has been greatly hindered by
individuals and organizations that are opposed to biotechnology and who
are providing misguided statements about the U.S.
food system."

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
13 million people are on the brink of starvation in southern Africa.
Current food aid pledges will meet only a quarter of anticipated needs.

"It is disgraceful that instead of helping hungry people, these
individuals and organizations are embarking on an irresponsible campaign
to spread misinformation and create an atmosphere of fear, which has led
countries in dire need of food to turn away safe, wholesome food,"
Veneman says. ?Now is not the time to inflame the debate about
biotechnology. Now is the time to feed starving people. The food we are
offering to southern Africa is the same nutritious food that Americans
eat every day. The U.S. regulatory process ensures that people around
the world have access to a safe, reliable food supply.

The United States will continue to do our share to help nations in need,
and we encourage other donors to help meet the challenge," she
concludes

Levy Mwanawasa, president of Zambia told Reuters September 3, 2 002,
that said his government would stick by its decision to refuse food aid
donations that include genetically modified crops. Mwanawasa says Zambia
has enough food to last until December.