FBI Seeks Responsible Party in GM Crop Destruction

According to a news source, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has become involved in the search for the person or persons responsible for the destruction of genetically modified (GM) sugar beet crops in southern Oregon. The purported “economic sabotage” occurred in different fields during two nights in June 2013 and resulted in the loss of some 6,500 plants. Oregonians for Food and Shelter has reportedly offered $10,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. The state Department of Agriculture secretary said that to her knowledge “this is the first time someone has deliberately taken the cowardly step of uprooting high value plants growing in our state. Regardless of how one feels about biotechnology, there is no justification for committing these crimes.” See Ag Professional, June 24, 2013.