Dear USDA,

Re: Docket No. APHIS-2008-0054

The following comments are in reference to Docket No. APHIS-2008-0054

I strongly oppose the deregulation of genetically engineered papaya trees for the
following reasons:


Scientists have described the genetic splicing used to produce genetically-engineered crops as "crude."

The EU has banned all US-produced GE crops because of the significant health risks they present. The safety of these crops for human consumption has NOT been proven.

GE crops are not good for people, or for farmers. Farmers MUST be able to save seed from previous years' crops. Also, the splicing in of pesticide genes only provides us with pesticides in our bodies and pesticide-resistant pests.

The success of lawsuits against farmers that unwittingly had their crops RUINED by contamination from Monsanto's product is CRIMINAL.

Our agricultural legislation needs to make way for the unstoppable return of the sustainable small farmer -- agribusiness as we know it is fatally flawed and and on the way out.

Just say NO to GE crops!

Thank you.