Genetically Engineered Insects

Genetically engineered insects are a biotech invention moving rapidly toward release into our environment, but they represent a solution that could create more problems than it will solve. Without thoroughly analyzing or understanding the long-term ecological impacts of engineering new insects and releasing them into the wild, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed "field testing" a genetically engineered version of the pink bollworm designed to keep populations of this pest in check.

But the bollworm is just the beginning, and the precedent it sets is cause for concern. The USDA also has plans to engineer other insects, such as the medfly, and the apple codling moth. Other researchers are engineering mosquitos and other insects.

CFS identified violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act in USDA's bollworm proposal. As a result, USDA agreed to prepare a full environmental impact statement (EIS) before conducting any releases. This would be the first ever EIS on a genetically engineered organism of any kind.