FARMERS FIGHT BACK TO PROTECT FOOD MARKETS.

Corn and soybean farmers concerned about recent attacks on U.S. food companies are working together to show their support for those food companies that are buying biotech corn and soybean crops.

The American Soybean Association and National Corn Growers Association, both based in St. Louis, distributed 60,000 "thank you" postcards to farmers across the country. The postcards are addressed to the chief executives of major food companies that have supported the continued use of corn and soybean biotech products. Farmers were urged to sign and mail the card, thanking the food companies for their continued use of biotech grain.

"This is a critical time for farmers to stand together with the rest of the food industry," says Steve Pigg, vice chairman of NCGA's Growers Service Corn Action Team. "We need to help inform the consuming public about the advantages available through the science of biotechnology. And we need to commend and support our partners in the food industry who have shown tremendous courage on this very important issue."