Senate Committee Backs 1-Year Hold on Milk Hormone

The Senate Agriculture Committee, as part of a $3.2-billion package of spending cuts, Wednesday approved a one-year moratorium on use of a synthetic hormone that causes dairy cows to produce more milk.

The legislation goes to the Budget Committee for inclusion in the overall budget reconciliation bill, and then to a vote before the Senate.

Sen. Russ Feingold, (D-Wis), who as a state legislator opposed use of the drug, bovine somatotropin, called the committee action “a significant step forward” for consumers and farmers.

Four major drug companies--Monsanto Co., American Cyanamid Co., Upjohn Co. and Eli Lilly and Co.--are developing versions of BST.

The Food and Drug Administration has not yet decided whether to allow commercial use of BST.

Some farm activists, consumer groups and opponents of biotechnology, say there is no need for BST, which could put small farmers out of business by causing a glut of cheap milk. Supporters of the hormone say it would make a nutritious food available at more affordable prices.

Along with prohibiting the commercial sale, marketing or use of BST through Sept 30, 1994, the provision allows the moratorium to be extended at the Agriculture Department’s discretion until the White House certifies that other major dairy countries have approved BST use.