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Genetically Engineered Foods: DuPont

Chemical giant DuPont is a major life science company involved in the production of GE seeds and also owns Pioneer Hi-Bred, producer of GE Liberty Link corn.

AYS and members of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, led by Christian Brothers Investment Services, filed resolutions in 2000 and 2002 asking the company "to adopt a policy of not marketing or distributing GE agricultural products unless long-term safety testing has shown that they are not harmful to humans, animals and the environment". These resolutions were withdrawn in exchange for an on-going dialogue with the company. This dialogue has covered a variety of topics such as developing a code of conduct, safety testing requirements, the Biodiversity Convention, intellectual property rights vs. protection of rights of the commons, obligation of transparency of information, just compensation and protection for local agriculture, and industry leadership.

The company responded to shareholder concerns by:

  • developing "Principles for Biotech" ,
  • complying with requests for increased transparency by publicly posting product safety reports on Herculex 1 corn,
  • holding meetings with representatives of grassroots organizations and scientists critical of current practices regarding GE seed.

A 2005 resolution asks the company to review internal controls related to potential adverse impacts associated with GE organisms.

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