https://grain.org/e/3766
Trinity County, California, USA becomes second board to ban genetically engineered crops and animals
by Various | 9 Aug 2004
Organic Consumers Association / GMO-Free Mendocino, 3 August 2004
VICTORY! TRINITY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS VOTES TO BAN GENETICALLY
ENGINEERED CROPS AND ANIMALS
Today Trinity County, California became only the second county in the
nation to ban the growing of genetically engineered (GE) crops and
animals. By a vote of 3-1, Trinity County Supervisors elected to ban GE
crops and animals in an effort to protect Trinity's local economy and
environment.
The proposed ordinance is supported by a broad spectrum of Trinity
residents, including people in commercial agricultural, businesses, home
gardeners, nurseries, social workers, investment, computer and health
professionals, housewives, students, church people, teachers, activists,
government employees, storeowners.
"Today's vote is in keeping with the tradition in Trinity County over 25
years of passing ordinances to protect the well being of its citizens,"
said Susan Bower, local farmer and ban proponent.
"Trinity's vote for a sustainable and sound agriculture economy is an
important first step in reclaiming control of our food supply, "said Doug
Mosel, GMO Free Mendocino coordinator and spokesperson for the
BioDemocracy Alliance. "This sends a clear message that local, safe
production is the responsibility of all."
Trinity County's decision reflects a growing movement across America to
defend local agriculture, biodiversity and human health. Four other
California counties will vote in December to ban genetically engineered
crops in their county, while dozens of counties across the country are
advancing "GE Free" Zones.
"BioDemocracy is spreading throughout the California and the United
States," said Ryan Zinn, campaign director for the Organic Consumers
Association and spokesperson for the BioDemocracy Alliance. "In light of
the lack of regulation at both the federal and state agencies of these GE
crops, Trinity's Supervisors had the foresight to create a ban to protect
their citizens."
Trinity County's ban goes into effect 30 days from its passage.
Contact information for Trinity County representatives: Drew Franklin: 530-
623-2656 Joseph Bower: 530-628-5004
Ryan Zinn, Organic Consumers Association, 415-271-6833
Email: [email protected]
Doug Mosel, GMO-Free Mendocino, 707-485-6672 or 707-391-6368
Email: [email protected]
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Tiny California county bans biotech from borders
3 August 2004
SAN FRANCISCO(AP) - Officials in tiny Trinity County banned genetically
modified plants and animals from its borders in remote Northern California
Tuesday, becoming the second California county to do so this year.
The local law passed on a 3-1 vote and makes it a misdemeanor to grow or
raise genetically engineered plants and animals. But it's effect is more
symbolic than practical since Trinity County ranked 51st out of 58
counties in farming output in 2002, according to the Trinity County Farm
Bureau.
Timber accounts for nearly all the agriculture revenue in the county,
which has a population of 13,000. No trees are being genetically
engineered on a commercial scale, though several labs across the country
are experimenting with modified trees that grow faster, resist disease and
could even serve as pollution fighters.
Supporters of the new law, which takes effect next month, said they were
concerned that genetically engineered plants and animals could someday
harm their small farming industry through crossbreeding and other mixing
of conventional crops and biotech-produced plants.
Drew Franklin, who owns an organic food store in the county seat of
Weaverville, said supporters also fear that someone might release
genetically engineered salmon that could breed with conventional
steelheads in the Trinity River, a popular tourist destination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any genetically
engineered fish for human consumption, though it is considering an
application for a salmon spliced with other fish genes to grow faster than
normal.
Trinity is second jurisdiction in the country and in California to ban
biotech crops and animals. Mendocino County voters passed similar
legislation earlier this year.
Voters in four other California counties -- Butte, Humboldt, Marin and San
Luis Obispo -- will be asked to cast ballots similar measures in November.
Proponents in several other counties are attempting to gather enough
signatures to force special elections on the issue early next year.
The Biotechnology Industry Organization, a Washington, D.C.-based trade
group, said such local measures are confusing and counter to federal
regulations.
"This kind of action denies farmers the choice to utilize the best tools
for their farming practices," said BIO spokeswoman Lisa Dry. "These crops
are regulated on the federal level by three government agencies to ensure
their safety for humans and the environment."