Kick Genetically Engineered Crops Out of Rogue Valley!
March 2, 2014 in Columnists, Dave Hodges by The Manimal
By Dave Hodges
Republic Broadcasting Network
Protecting our Farms, our Families, our Future
Recently a group of local farmers in Oregon’s Rogue Valley joined together to create the Our Family Farms Coalition (OFFC). Their first priority: pass the Family Farms Measure (15-119) on May 20, 2014 and keep genetically engineered crops out of Jackson County.
Text of the Family Farms Measure
15-119 Ordinance to Ban Growing of Some “Genetically-Engineered” (defined) Plants (by initiative petition)
Question: Should Ordinance Ban Growing of “Genetically-Engineered” Plants (defined) in Jackson County and Allow County/Private Persons to Compel Enforcement?
Summary: This ordinance would ban any person from propagating, cultivating, raising or growing “genetically-engineered” (defined) plants in Jackson County.
The Ordinance also:
- Requires affected persons to harvest, destroy or remove all genetically engineered plants within 12 months of the enactment of the ordinance;
- Provides exemptions for certain health, educational, scientific and medical research institutions if activities are conducted under secure, indoor laboratory conditions;
- Allows for inspections of private property by County code enforcement officers after obtaining a search warrant;
- Allows for enforcement of the ordinance by the County and by private persons or groups through the State court system;
- Provides for contested hearings and appeals for alleged violations;
- Allows the County to recover the cost of abatement from the property owner or the person causing the violation;
- Defines the terms “genetically engineered,” “organic agriculture,” and “organic;”
