permaculture

[Guillermo Romero <romerog@col1.telmex.net.mx>]

Dear Permaculturists:

Here is more info on the Johnny's and Biotech issue.  (the bellow info comes 
from my postings to the BD-Now list).


>The only additional info I have is the parragraph on the subjec that is on 
>page 3 of Johnny's Selected Seeds 1999 Commercial Catalog, here is the 
>transcript:
>
>"Biothechnology and Johnny's
>
>We will inform you in a variety's description if it was bred with the 
>assistance of the controversial technique of gene splicing.
>At present, in this catalog, we offer no such varieties.  Every variety in 
>this catalog was developed using the traditional breeding methods of 
>controlled mating and selection, as well as new methods of tissue and cell 
>culture.  We are open minded about the new gene splicing science, where a 
>person moves DNA mechanically from one cell to another.  We intend to 
>consider the resulting new varieties one at the time, and to present them to 
>you in a fashion that lets you decide for yourself."
>
>
>
>From this it seems that Johnny's will have GA seed for sale avail in their 
>catalog no sooner than the year 2000.
>
>I wrote to them for more information on the subject, and here is what Rob J. 
>Reply:
>


>Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1998 11:25:53 -0500
>From: robjohnston@johnnyseeds.com
>Subject: Re: Fw: Johnny's Selected (Genetically Engineered) Seeds? No Way!
>X-Sender: staff@johnnyseeds.com (Unverified)
>To: Guillermo Romero <romerog@col1.telmex.net.mx>
>MIME-version: 1.0
>
>Dear Gardener:
>
>Thank you for your e-mail this week about biotechnology and seeds.
>
>You are not alone in your concern.  At Johnny's we have received many
>dozens of letters this week.  We will be writing you a proper answer within
>two weeks.  Until then, know that we have heard you and that your comments
>are useful to our learning about this complex subject.
>
>Truly yours,
>Robert L. Johnston, Jr.
>Johnny's Selected Seeds
>Founder and Chairman

Guillermo Romero I.         
Comala, Colima, MEXICO
<romerog@col1.telmex.net.mx>