California county to ban biotech crops, animals

[G_j]

www.commondreams.org/headlines04/0303-02.htm

Santa Rosa Press Democrat (California)
Mendocino County Voters Ban Biotech Crops, Animals

First county in U.S. to bar gene-altered farming
by Mike Geniella

 Mendocino County voters on Tuesday were the first in the nation to ban genetically engineered crops and animals.

By a margin of 56 percent to 44 percent, they approved Measure H, an initiative pushed by the county's organic farmers and one that has far greater symbolic impact than practical effect because such crops are not likely to be introduced in the county for years.

Some of the nation's largest agricultural interests spent more than a half-million dollars in a bid to defeat the measure, fearing that it could become a precedent for other counties.

And that is likely to happen.
"Passage of Measure H is just the beginning. We're the first county, but the revolution is just starting," said Els Cooperrider, owner of a Ukiah organic brew pub who spearheaded the campaign.
..more..

[izzie]

1. I need to read more I am sure but.....

Was not the great famine of Ireland caused by a one crop country and I can see this may happen. Is that to far out? Some of this stuff produces no seeds and people in poor countries also save seeds but now they have to re-buy each year, at great cost, to replant. I think it should be looked into a little more.Some times things that have been done for 10,000 years may be best. Not that they can not be made better but lets think a little more on it and not turn it over to these big corp.to fast.

[G_j]

2. "terminator seeds"

another awesome advancement in helping poor developing countries feed themselves. :-(

<sarcasm>

[lostnfound]

3. That's great..but the Monsanto lawyers are sure to fight this..

both with the courts and with threats and intimidation.

[gate of the sun]

4. good for them

let's keep fighting , first the patriot act and now Gm crops!