Germany`s agriculture minister has pulled out of the upcoming international agriculture ministerial conference in Sacramento, leaving it without a European Union official on the program.The minister`s announcement comes at the same time some U.S. politicians have stepped up criticism of European countries for not embracing genetically engineered food. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman told reporters Wednesday that biotechnology wasn't the only facet of the upcoming conference. But she also made it clear that she'll promote what genetic engineering can do to reduce pesticide use and increase productivity.</p><p><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/6844204p-7794241c.html">The Sacramento Bee: German official out of ag expo</a></p><p><a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/stconf/conf_main.htm">homepage of the USDA Agricultural Show for developing countries ministers</a></p><p><a href="http://www.foodfirst.org/progs/global/ge/sactoministerial/events.php">"Food First" page on alternative events in Sacramento</a>