Agricultural News
American Farmers and Ranchers Announces Opposition to Castor Bean Production
Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:33:45 CDT
In response to recent discussions regarding castor bean production, American Farmers & Ranchers announces its official opposition to the commercial production of castor beans in Oklahoma.
Castor beans contain the toxin ricin, which is fatal if consumed, inhaled or injected. Ricin has been used as a weapon worldwide since the 1940s. The terrorist group Al Qaeda has been reported to be seeking castor beans because of their ricin content. If found in wheat, soybeans or other food grains, as little as two castor beans in a 2.2 pound sample would cause the entire field, truck or elevator to be condemned, as well as create a negative perception of all grains in the region.
Due to the extremely dangerous nature of castor beans and the disastrous effects commercial production could have on the state's grain, livestock and wildlife sectors, American Farmers & Ranchers will seek strict legislation prohibiting castor bean production in Oklahoma.
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