Mycogen Seeds/Dow AgroScience LLC and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc.; Availability of Petition and Environmental Assessment for Determination of Nonregulated Status for Genetically Engineered Corn

August 30, 2005Dr. Michael WatsonUSDA-APHISBiotechnology Regulatory ServiceAgency Docket Number 04-113-1Docket ID APHIS-2005-0059Dear Dr. Watson:On behalf of the 33,000 members of the National Corn Growers Association, I am writing to you in support of DowAgroscience?s and Pioneer Hi-bred International?s pending determination of non regulated status for corn lines containing event DAS-59122-7 containing corn rootworm resistance. This product contains a trait which employs a different mechanism for plant protection; this affords the growers a wider range of plant protection products.US farmers face an increasingly competitive global market. For US producers to remain competitive (and stay profitable), we must have access to new products and new technologies ? including seeds with biotech traits. These critical tools allow producers to better manage herbicide and insecticide needs and better manage their farming costs. Currently, if producers choose to utilize biotech seeds with corn rootworm protection, we have only one company?s technology to choose from. Additional traits from other providers will help ensure price competition as well as provide producers new options for managing insect resistance.The National Corn Growers Association appreciates USDA-APHIS? ability to balance the need for new technology to reach the marketplace while protecting the integrity of the food and feed supply. We look forward to the agency responding to this request in a timely and through manner. Thank you,Leon CorzinePresidentNational Corn Growers Association National Corn Growers Association