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] -------- 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."