In response to Lincoln Hawes, the dairy farmer who wrote about LD 1219 on May 10-11, all conscious consumers and producers of organic farm products are not luddites. However, we may believe he has been duped by chemical companies like Monsanto that produce and distribute genetically engineered seed.

Hawes is deluded to think that offering organically produced and locally distributed agricultural goods is limiting choice. Clearly, it is corporate globalization that is limiting choice and profiting immensely from control of production and distribution of seed. Maine could once again lead the nation by supporting LD 1219, and by placing a moratorium on genetically engineered crops to prevent tying our hands to massive crops with chemical pesticides inescapably integrated into their genetic structure.

Yet, this is part of a bigger issue. Major corporations control and limit everything we complacently accept or consume, including information, political elections, health care plans, transportation, clothing, and of course, food. Yes, I am afraid of my family and others becoming guinea pigs for large corporate chemical companies and indiscriminate use and introduction of toxins in our environment and food.

Jay Hanes

Winterport