Oregon GMO Ban — Two Farmers Avoid Losing Millions

Last May, in Jackson County, Oregonian voters approved a measure by a 2-1 margin that bans anyone from growing GMO crops. Farmers with genetically-engineered crops in production were allowed to harvest this year but then were required to remove the crops within 12 months.  If they didn’t, county officials were allowed to go into the farmers’ fields and destroy the crops.

Needless to say, two Jackson County farmers fought back.

The ordinance is intended to protect farmers from unwanted biotech plants pollinating their fields from other fields nearby. The plaintiffs (two farmers) say it is essentially a “nuisance” violation under a different name, and local governments and special districts under Oregon’s 1995 Right to Farm Act are protected from nuisance violations, created to hamper “reasonable and prudent” farming practices.

The farmers also asked for $4.2 million in compensation if they are required to rip up their GMO alfalfa crops as the new ordinance requires.

Oregon GMO Ban — Settlement

Though the U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Clarke dismissed the farmers’ arguments on the “nuisance” violation, their claim seeking $4.2 million in compensation from Jackson County remained in play, and a settlement was reached this past Monday.

The farmers agreed not to appeal the earlier court ruling that upheld the voter-approved ban. In exchange, the county won’t force growers who already planted genetically engineered alfalfa to quickly remove their crops. Those farmers have agreed not to plant any more genetically engineered crops and to switch their fields out of that alfalfa after no more than eight years.

Whether a GMO supporter or not, it’s good to know these two farmers avoided losing millions.  Farmers are often the casualty of the GMO war here, and as we documented in GMO TRUTH Podcast #5, they’re just following the regulations that are set forth by our government agencies.

Meanwhile, in Jackson County, the future planting of GMO crops is no longer an option, at least for now…

To read more on the lawsuit and final rulings, visit:
http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/technology/article48426505.html

Author: renezimbelman

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