Ashland Oregon Takes Stand Against GMO Crops

Daily Tidings, September 5, 2012
The Ashland City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday night to send a letter asking Jackson County commissioners to take whatever action they deem necessary to protect organic farming in the county from genetically modified crops.

Organic food cannot contain genetically modified organisms according to national organic standards.

Organic crops could be contaminated by pollen drifting in from fields of genetically modified crops, causing organic farmers to lose their ability to sell their crops, according to residents who testified at a City Council meeting on Tuesday.

One local farmer said he had to dump $4,400 worth of seed that he would normally sell to seed packet companies because his crops had been potentially contaminated by genetically modified chard growing less than three miles away.

A United States Department of Agriculture standard calls for genetically modified crops to be at least four miles away from other crops, residents said.

"This is not only a health issue, but an economic issue," said City Councilor Carol Voisin.

Through its Natural Resources Advisory Committee, the Jackson County government has been exploring the feasibility of adopting an ordinance that would ban the use of genetically modified seeds in the county.

The earliest that committee is likely to make a recommendation to county commissioners is January 2013, said Ashland City Administrator Dave Kanner.

The issue of genetically modified food continues to be debated around the world, with some saying the crops could harm the environment, the organic food industry and people's health.

Protesters in Salem, Oregon Denounce Influence of Monsanto Corporation

By Christopher Parker


Opponents of genetically modified organisms rallied Saturday before the Oregon State Capitol in Salem to discuss Monsanto's control over national agricultural business, its influence on politics through lobbying and the proliferation of GMOs in farming practices.

The "Rally for the Right to Know" was held in conjunction with rallies in other state capitols and Washington, D.C., as part of the Organic Consumers Association's "Millions Against Monsanto" campaign.

Event organizer Sabrina Siegel, a Eugene resident, became involved with "Millions Against Monsanto" after learning about the possible health effects of GMOs.

"As a mother I became very nervous and disturbed about the whole thing," Siegel said. "I just became worried as a parent to help all children, not just my children. It motivated me to teach people about the issue."

Rally participants spoke of the importance of supporting legislation to require food producers to list what ingredients are genetically modified.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved GMOs for consumption, but controversy remains because of Monsanto's close political ties with government regulating agencies. One current issue is the Obama administration's appointment of Michael Taylor, a former Monsanto lawyer who served as the corporation's vice president of public policy.